Ordinary People March 2022 | Vol. 13 | Issue 37

WHERE THE ORDINARY IS THE EXTRAORDINARY

MARCH 2022 | VOL. 12 | ISSUE 37

Heart Disease:

Awareness, Prevention and the Consequence of Choice

Spotlighting

Jasmine Matthew of Jasmin’s Beat

Consider This Facing The Music

On the Cover

Verna V. Nickelberry

Editor-in-Chief

From the Desk of the

Editor-in-Chief

BY SHARON E. LOCKLEAR, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known God, which surpasses all understanding, and will guard your heartsand minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6 Recently, gas, food, housing – rent and mortgage rates have risen. There remains the supply chain issue. The dollar stores no longer charge $!.00 for merchandise. Most jobs have not increased salaries or hourly wages for employees that worked through the worst of the Pandemic; however, there are increases for some new hires and bonuses if they work for a specified period-oftime.

What are you seeing and experiencing as a Christian? We live in the world but are not of the world, yet we continue to subscribe to the world’s values. Why? Are we not set apart? Shouldn’t there be a noticeable difference between Christians and the world?

We should not be beset with anxieties and worry.

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We are to be prayerful, submitting our concerns to GOD and to be thankful for all that has been bestowed upon us by our Lord and Savior.

God has a plan for my life and yours as stated in Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV), ‘For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

We have a guarantee from Our Father for prosperity. There is no need to worry about the things that disaffect the world. That is not our reality – we have hope, we have a future and unlike man, God is the ultimate promise keeper.

Dr. Sharon Locklear

NEED A SONG RECORDED OR MIXED ?

RENEGADE EL REY

Freelance Studio Engineer From Memphis, Tn to Atlanta, Ga RENEGADE EL REY has been putting in the groundwork to build the name of both his self as an artist and his brand, Southern Eagle Music Group LLC. Working as an artist, writer and engineer out of Stankonia Studios in Atlanta RENEGADE has been able to grow his network and hone his craft in a very organic fashion. Never satisfied with his latest accomplishments, RENEGADE EL REY is making sure to create a lasting name in the entertainment industry.

For more info send an email to RENEGADETGC1@aol.com or call 901-336-3757

- Courtesy of

departments Founder and Editorial Director Verna V. Nickelberry Editor-In-Chief Sharon Locklear Art Director Rushun Wiseman https://creavolutionarts.com Contributing Writers Vanderbilt Brabson Jeanette Chestnut-Chester Paola Tennon Photographers Kimberly Taylor Kendall Elem “Advertise With Us” Please Contact Us At (770) 7670649 O.P. Magazine Mail 2624 Santa Monica Dr, Atlanta Ga, 30318 (770) 767-0649 http://ordinarypeoplemagazine ORDINARY PEOPLE MAGAZINE is a quarterly publication and is distributed in Atlanta, GA, Memphis, TN; Knoxville, TN; Matteson, IL.

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4 issues for $50.00 send subscription information to vernav@vemashe.com.

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contents MARCH 2022

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Thank You, Mother

ON THE COVER Hidden Gems: Meet Verna V. Nickelberry of VeMaShe™ Enterprise

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JUST TO ENCOURAGE YOU IN THE SPOTLIGHT Jasmine Mathew of Jasmin’s Beat

GOSPEL MUSIC/ARTISTS Gospel Jazz Artist Melvin Smith

FOR YOUR HEALTH Heart Disease: Awareness, Prevention and the Consequence of Choice”

All rights reserved.Reproduction in whole or in part without the founder/editor’s consent is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the positions or views of the editor. The publication of any advertisement in the issue does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s products or services by the publication. © 2022 Ordinary People Magazine VeMaShe’ Enterprise LLC

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36 CONSIDER THIS 40 SMALL BUSINESS CORNER 46

MIRACLES AND BLESSINGS

Facing The Music

Chef Sonya King of King Kreations PCS

51 INSPIRATIONAL WORDS FROM WITHIN...

53 Psalm 23

Verna V. Nickelberry

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08 36

20

28 46

40 51

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On The Cover

Hidd en Gems:

MEET

Verna V. Nof ickelb e V eMaShe™ E n

R ec e n t I n t e rv i e w w it h

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Verna V Nickelberry.

Hi Verna V, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

So often, I am asked the question, “How did you know how to start a business?” My answer is always the same; “I didn’t! At the age of twentyone, I was a “Tupperware Consultant.” It all started when I attended a Tupperware meeting to check things out, only to leave as a consultant! The energy was so high in the room that, eventually, I too believed that I could sell the product! I so badly wanted to earn those “Tupperware Bucks” to buy some great products. This began my love for sales, my love for home-based businesses, and my love for “Entrepreneurship.” Was I afraid?

Sure I was, but I didn’t let that stop me from the goals I had set for myself. No matter what, I was going to earn those “Tupperware Bucks” by making sure my sales were high. I had made up my mind that I would outsell everyone in my group, including the person who invited me. I went to all the meetings and got involved with my district manager-whatever it took, I was determined to get those Tupperware Bucks! The Tupperware Bucks were the driving force to my being the one of the best in my group and I learned that I could succeed

. et err priry se

h Voyag e A T L

at whatever I set my mind to. I did it not knowing that I could really do it, but I knew I wanted to be a part of a winning group. This one experience taught me that by having a can-do attitude, I could achieve any goal(s) I set out to do. Setting attainable goals, writing them down, and not losing focus helped me to stay on track during my years as a “Tupperware Consultant” which gave me the confidence to try other home-based businesses.

Thus, giving me the courage to create my own company.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

No, it has not been a smooth road at all! After ordinarypeoplemagazine | 9

being a Tupperware Consultant, I tried my hand at a view things. I started to sale art for “Artistic Impressions” and I can say I did very well. But realizing I could do this on my own, be my own boss. So, I did! I’m a researcher naturally, so I begin to research the “Art World”, came up with a name, asked one of my friends to come along with me and just like that Wilson Bowens Fine Arts was created. We did very well on our own. Although very shortly, life happened. I change the name to “Nickelberry’s Fine Arts and Gift.” I owned and operating that business for over ten years. But it wasn’t until God gave the assignment of created “Ordinary People” magazine (an inspirational magazine, that is actually about “ordinary people” it’s in print and digital) that lead me to where I am today. This new venture I started with no money and no magazine training, which was a struggle within itself, but I yet gave God a yes, a “reluctant” yes. I didn’t know where to go for help or who I could take my question to. Many times, I wanted to just throw in the towel, so I researched the industry and prayed a lot. You see, I’m God taught! I’ve not taken any courses, nor have I ever had a coach or trainer. One of the biggest struggles was getting out of my own way and allowing God to teach me, which He did. Even with that, I still had to do the work, finding relevant articles, writers, printing companies that would work with my small budget, learning to market the magazine, as well where to sell the magazine, how to get subscribers, all while working my 9-5! But I wouldn’t change a thing! It’s has been a labor of love. We have been in existence since 2009, the year our first printed issue came out. Our Impression Footprint has grown to 75,179 and we are read as far as Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, France, Jamaica, South Africa, Hong Kong, Nigeria to name a few. Every struggle and disappointment have been worth it. If God gave it to me, He must had known that I was up for the challenge.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

VeMaShe™ Enterprise is multi-media company established in 2006, with ORDINARY PEOPLE Magazine (OPM) being our number one product.

Ordinary People Magazine is published four times

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a year and focus on “ordinary people” making great impacts in their communities through community service, mentorship, community development and monetary, to include their churches and their businesses. Also, under the VeMaShe umbrella is: •

OPM Live! with Verna V. Nickelberry – an online talk show that airs on Saturdays. OPM Live! is an extension of the magazine, it’s the magazine coming to life. We interview authors, non-profit organization, small business owners, community activist, and those that are giving back to their communities from the heart.

•

OPM Annual Servant Awards – a Red Carpet event that honors individuals, non-profit organizations, and businesses (small & large)

that give back to their communities. The award show was introduced in 2010 in Memphis, TN. Since that time, it was also hosted in Atlanta, Ga (2017 & 2018). We reintroduce the OPM Servant Award to Memphis in 2021 as we hosted the 7th Annual OPM Servant Awards •

• •

•

VeMaShe’s – is our online store that consists of various products that carries our logo as our private label.

Blue Skies & Green Grass Publishing – is our publishing company that was added in 2021.

Blue Skies & Green Grass not only published Ordinary People Magazine but books and journals of our clients as well.

Our Mission Statement: “We Create Opportunities for Others”

As a multi-media company, our purpose is to produce relevant and interesting content for our readers through our magazine (OPM). It is our desire to create speaking opportunities through our talk show OPM Live!, as well as opportunities through our publishing company Blue Skies & Green Grass Publishing.

I am the Editorial Director and it is my job to gather the content for the publication. I am also the creator and producer of the “OPM Servant Award” and we recently introduced our handbag line “VeMaShe.” I can’t really say what sets us apart from other companies, we focus on what we are passion about and how can we serve the community. I’m most proud of staying the course that is before me, staying on track, even when it gets hard, and I want to give up. Our brand is a family brand, “VeMaShe” is a combination of my first name, Verna, my oldest son’s first name, Marcus, and my youngest son’s first name, Shelton. “VeMaShe™” stands for family, unity, and love. We do offer web design and ad design through our Art Department.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?

I would like to thank my children, Marcus L. Oliver and Shelton E. Oliver for giving me space to grow and be myself, as well as being my biggest cheerleader, supporter, adviser, and role model.

Love you much!

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Letters to the Editor

Letters to the

EDITOR I always enjoy reading “For Your Health” is very informative and on point. I can tell that the author takes time to research by including the reference.

- Mary I enjoyed reading the entire magazine, great articles, the cover story was so inspiring.

- C.L. Thank you so much for the work that you do, I enjoy reading Ordinary People magazine.

Keep up the good work.

- Unknown Earl “ThebassMan” White, congratulation on being on the cover of this awesome magazine. I’m so proud of you Bro. Keep doing amazing thing. Love you!

- Tameia

12 | March 2022

Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone, but it does not affect everyone equally.

The American Cancer Society is addressing the unequal burden of cancer by reaching individuals in underserved communities in collaboration with community partners.

Our Community Health Advisors provide education, outreach, and information to men and women, particularly in the area of cancer prevention.

They encourage people to practice early detection of colon, breast and cervical cancer while it is in the most treatable stages.

To find out more about our Community Health Advisor program , please contact the American Cancer Society at 1.800.227.2345.

Just to Encourage

JUST TO ENCOURAGE YOU

BY JEANETTE CHESTNUT-CHESTER, WORSHIP LEADER, CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER Amos 3:7- “For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.

Let’s start with this, God does nothing without revealing it to His servants the prophets.

But what does this mean? The entire book of Amos is a book filled with prophesy.

Prophesy is defined as a prediction of what will happen in the future.

God called Amos, who was from Tekoa, while he was with the shepherds.

Amos does not call himself a prophet, he describes himself as a sheep breeder.

The Hebrew term used regarding Amos indicates that he is not a hired shepherd,

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“Justice is not an abstract issue with God; indeed, He is the final judge. Justice for God is relational; meaning that it promotes good relations between people and groups of people.”

but one who owns one or more flocks of sheep.

dispatched to deliver this message to the nations.

God called Amos for a prophetic purpose, although his prophetic activity was short in comparison to some others, they were still important and effective for the Lord’s purposes.

The theme of the message from Amos is God’s passionate concern for justice. Justice is not an abstract issue with God; indeed, He is the final judge. Justice for God is relational; meaning that it promotes good relations between people and groups of people. We have heard the quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “That injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere”. Injustice breeds anger, hostility, and violence.

During the time of Amos, the prosperity of Israel brought new wealth to the upper class, and this wealth was used to enlarge their land holdings and build great houses for themselves, however this was at the expense of the poor. What they did violated God’s plans. They violated the rights of the poor, and the land owners by throwing them off their ancestral land. Through God ‘s provisions which was part of the Mosaic Law, the land occupied by peasant class had been the foundation of Israel’s society. But this class virtually disappeared, as the rich became richer, and the poor became poorer.

God created the human race to have good relationships with Him and each other. Injustice breeds all kinds of prejudices and animosity that breaks the heart of God.

In Amos Chapter 5, we see the Lord has instructed Amos to speak to the people and to urge them to seek the Lord and live. The Lord repeats this request numerous times throughout the chapter.

God’s desire is that no one perish, but that all come to repentance. But the people were not interested in hearing Amos, nor were they interested in

God will not allow injustice to continue. Therefore, it was necessary for the prophet Amos to be

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repentance. God send His word of judgment starting in Amos Chapter 1:2- the Message Translation says this: God roars from Zion, shouts from Jerusalem! The thunderclap voice withers the pastures tended by shepherds, shrivels Mount Carmel’s proud peak. When the Lord roared from there, the nation dried up from the fiery blast. The fact that Mount Carmel withered indicates a great disaster.

So, there is no mistaking by whose authority Amos is speaking. The messages that Amos had to deliver were not easy. Imagine, going to the ruling powers and having to tell them that if they don’t clean up their act they will be annihilated.

Imagine! Would you be calm? What would their reaction be, how will you be perceived? What would they do? Can you imagine all the thoughts going on in the mind of Amos? Amos was fed up. While most of the prophets interspersed redemption and restoration in their prophecies against Israel and Judah, Amos devoted only the final five verses of his prophecy for such consolation. Prior to that, God’s word through Amos was directed against the privileged people of Israel, a people who had no love for their neighbor, who took advantage of others, and who only looked out for their own concerns. They had no love for the things of God, nor did they care what God thought. It was as we see now, a me, myself and I situation.

Now, one would think that the priest would reinforce what the prophet of the Lord was saying, thereby assisting in the redemption of those gone astray. Not so! The temple priest actually conspired against Amos to stop him from delivering the messages from the Lord. In Amos 7:10- we see this- Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent a message to Jeroboam king of Israel: “Amos is raising a conspiracy against you in the very heart of Israel. The land cannot bear all his words. What the priest attempted to do was undermine Amos and have him dealt with by the king. What he said to the king was that Amos was making threats against the king, which was an untruth. The priest of the temple of Bethel, Amaziah was reacting to Amos’s third vision which ended with God’s promise to bring the sword against the house of Jeroboam. He regarded Amos’s words as a political

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threat, not as a prophesy from God, but as a revolt.

Now, after this blatant lie, the priest then turned his attention to Amos, and since he was an official of the king, he ordered Amos to return to Judah, which would make Amos officially unwelcome in Jerusalem. He was not concerned that the messages were indeed from God, he was only interested in what the king thought.

More than almost any other book of Scripture, the book of Amos holds God’s people accountable for their ill-treatment of others. For their acts of injustice.

It repeatedly points out the failure of the people to fully embrace God’s idea of justice. But what is God’s idea of justice? Justice flows from God’s heart and character. As true and good, God seeks to make the object of his holy love whole. And who is the object of God’s love? Why, we are.

This is what motivated God throughout the Old and New Testaments in his judgments on sin and injustice.

One of the greatest injustices we succumb to individually is self-righteousness—the belief that we do not need Jesus but are just and good and right apart from him. Which is so not true. God is a just and righteous God.

We can fail to see that Jesus is the righteous “judge”, judged in our place” for our own acts of injustice, including our marginalizing Him by refusing to sense our need for him to remove our sin and make us whole. Which is what the people in Amos’s time was doing. They failed to seek the Lord, they failed to repent.

We see in Amos 8:7, this promise - The Lord has sworn by Himself, the Pride of Jacob: “I will never forget anything they have done. God has sworn that He would not forget their works, referring to the economic injustices that Amos warned them off, as well as other sins, including their unfaithfulness to God. God’s judgement would be great, and yet even being warned they failed to comply. In Chapter 8, verse 11, Amos reminded Israel that God had sent famine on them, and still they had not returned. Sounds a little like what’s going on in the earth today. People are seeking everything except the Lord.

Nonetheless, hope is never lost when it comes to the Lord! For we see in Amos 9:8, the Lord says; Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the surface of the ground, except that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob,” declares the Lord.

There is always a remnant for the Lord that does

not rebel, nor bow the knee to idols. There is destruction yes, and then there is restoration. The Lord assures the prophet that He will restore, for in Chapter 9:11, He promises; “In that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen and repair its breaches, and raise up it’s ruins and rebuild it as in days of old. It goes on to say that they will possess the land of the Edom. Now while they did not possess the land of Edom, they did regain their own land back, which was justice. For the Lord goes on to say in Chapter 9:14, that He would restore the fortunes of His people Israel. Amos pulls us back toward the center, where both the physical and the spiritual needs of people matter in God’s scheme of justice.

Be encouraged in this: The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.

Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2Peter 2:9. God was patient with Israel during the time of Amos, He gave the people every opportunity to seek Him and live. Yet, in all their rebellion, He did not utterly destroy them. He is the God of Restoration. We can count of the Word of the Lord to accomplish what He sends it to accomplish in our lives, if we hear and adhere to it.

There is a requirement however on our part. What requirement you ask: The answer is in Micah 6:8He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? We are to love the things that God loves, and hate the things that He hates, and God hates injustice.

The Lord promises that the day was coming when the plowman would overtake the reaper, meaning that the Lord would supply an abundant harvest, a plentiful harvest that would last until the next planting season. This is the word of the Lord, let us endeavor to seek the Lord and live, as we, like Amos sought justice.

Blessings of love and peace…

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Every Saturday @ 12:00 noon CST on www.facebook.com/omplive1

& YouTube OPM Live! w/Verna V. Nickelberry

www.ordinarypeoplemagazine.com

VEMASHE ENTERPRISE Blue Skies & Green Grass Publishing Ordinary People Magazine OPM Live! with Verna V. Nickelberry OPM Annual Servant Awards VeMaShe's (online store)

"We Create Opportunities For Others"

In The Spotlight

JASMINE MATTHEWS OF JASMIN’S BEAT As CEO and founder of Jasmine’s Beat®, Jasmine Mathew has been slowly building up a variety of adaptive dance classes in various locations in North Texas as well as virtually, all while being an active contract Recreational Therapist through various home health agencies. Born and raised in Philadelphia, she had an interest in dance and music since the age of 6. She has experience in Bharatnatyam, a

20 | March 2022

classical Indian dance form, as well as Bollywood dancing. She also continued part-time work for Arya Dance Academy and taught BollyFit for local gyms while living in NY. With a degree in Recreational Therapy from Temple University, and several positions as a Recreational Therapy Director both in Angela Jane Pavilion in PA and in Nyack Manor Nursing Home in NY, a therapist in Voorhees Hospital Medical Day

Center in NJ, and therapist in St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital in NY, she came to Texas 7 years ago after taking a hiatus to care for her young children. With the very different population experiences, it was apparent that there were never enough resources once a client was discharged to their home. When it came to Recreational Therapy, which was a fairly new field to those who didn’t know, Jasmine spent most of her career

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“Jasmine’s Beat® aims to empower people of all ages, sex, race and abilities to embrace the power of dance and healthy movement.” empowering others and educating the importance of Recreational Therapy and how motivation for your passions enables overall health and wellbeing, along with the specific therapeutic goals.

In Texas, home health care encompasses all ages and all disabilities and enables Jasmine to get to know the caregiver’s point of view as well. While in TX, Jasmine’s passion for dance re-ignited.

She trained and began teaching Introductory Ballet and Jazz for preschools in the area through Stretch-n-Grow. She wanted to figure out a method of using her career as well as her passion to create something even more splendid. Thus, Jasmine’s Beat® was born.

Jasmine’s Beat® initially began at Next Step Dance at The Star in Frisco in 2018. It began as a small group class offered to students of all ages and all disabilities, often struggling to have participants. Many parents and therapists tried to spread the word about the session and offered their services as volunteers and remain just as helpful today. Some Recreational Therapy clients even signed up for adaptive dance class with her, because they felt comfortable in the space with their therapist and small group of friends. They learned how to increase their physical endurance, speak politely to others, and learned how to greet one another. They also let their creative energy flow while stimulating their brain neurons at the studio and increased their focus when they returned home. Some even looked forward to attending instead of enclosing themselves to their room while feeling depressed. The attainable goals have no walls. Jasmine was also hired as an adaptive choreographer for North Texas Performing Arts with their Starcatcher’s group,

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which is a neurodiverse theater troupe ages 8 to adult. Jasmine has been part of 15 projects to date, including musicals such as Frozen Kids, Beauty and the Beast, High School Musical and Elf, Jr., as well as several adaptive dance workshops.

Jasmine has taken on roles of adjunct director throughout these shows as well. These students learned about staging, showing emotions on stage while dancing, understanding spatial awareness, being able to recall rhythm and beat, as well as creating gross and fine motor movements. While students are not expected to perfectly execute choreography, it also gives them a chance to be creative within a “no judgement” zone. This is not to say that they don’t surprise everyone! Some of the most beautiful productions have been created by each of these students in their own way.

Jasmine’s Beat® provides students modifications and adjustments to all classes as needed by each and every student to build a relationship of trust, encouragement, and empowerment for them.

Jasmine’s Beat mission® statement is: “Jasmine’s Beat® aims to empower people of all ages, sex, race and abilities to embrace the power of dance and healthy movement. We yearn to make

aware the avenue of dance for health, emotional selfesteem, and social and physical well-being. We aspire to enable the fusion of any cultural music and dance.

We provide education on rhythm, beat and sequence of intercultural dance, as well as promote creativity and self-expression through dance. We formulate goals with customers in terms of time used, type of dance learned, final production, and the means to enlighten others about adaptive dance beyond obstacles. We will assist in facilitating exhibitions of dance creations as well as rehabilitative goals. Finally, our ambition is to be skilled at having fun through dance and to share this skill as a continued passion in the community.”

Jasmine Mathew CEO & CTRS, Jasmine’s Beat® Coordinator & Chair, Adaptive Dance, Dance Council of North Texas Phone: 972-861-2050 Visit: www.jasminesbeat.com Follow us on FB, Instagram, and Twitter!

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Gospel Music/Artists

G OSP E L R EC O R D I N G A R T I S T

ME LV IN SMIT H

Gospel Jazz Artist Melvin Smith is a master of the saxophone. His exceptional talent and superior expertise on the sax sets him apart from a plethora of other horn players.

A skilled artist and musician from his youth, Melvin Smith has played with the best in sacred and secular music including Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Oleta Adams, Norman Connors, Fred Hammond, BeBe Winans, Israel Houghton and Byron Cage.

His gift has certainly made room for him, opening doors for him to play at the Montreux Jazz Festival – as a thirteen-year-old – and later at Lincoln Center. A former member of the musical staff of the renowned Christian Cultural Center in New York, Edward Blanco of EJazz News calls Smith “one of the finest reed man in the jazz business today.” And with his latest release, Blessed, an inspirational, musical masterpiece, Melvin Smith is a breath of fresh air to the genre of Gospel Jazz.

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Music has always been a part of Melvin’s life. Growing up in Jacksonville, FL, he sang in the church choir and performed in plays in elementary school. At the age of 12, he started playing instruments. The first wind instrument he picked up was the clarinet, but that was short lived. So was his time playing the flute. But when it came to the saxophone, that was another story. He took to the saxophone quickly.

His parents, lovers of music, encouraged their son to pursue his musical talent. As a matter of fact, his mother played piano and his father was a music enthusiast. Serious about their faith and about Gospel music, they wanted Melvin to pursue a successful career in music and to use his gifts to uplift the church and his community. At the time, that was the furthest thought from his mind.

But when his mother said to him, “One day, you will use your gift to serve the Lord,” he didn’t realize how prophetic her words would be.

The year after picking up the saxophone, his junior high school jazz band performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival. It was a life changing experience for the teenager. From that moment, Melvin knew that he was called to the genre of Jazz. Years later, he received a scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Professional Music. He continued his education at City of New York – Queens College, where he received his Master of Arts Degree in Performance – Jazz Studies.

Prior to leaving New York City, he recorded several solo projects. After returning to Jacksonville, he stepped in the studio again.

Initially, he was a featured guest on other artists’ recordings, including Stix Bones, the New Hope Ensemble and The Back Alley Players. But eventually, he decided it was time for him to shine as a solo artist.

He’s recorded five projects to date: Portrait (2007), I Surrender All(2008), Evidence (2010), Time Will Tell (2014) and New Jack Theme (2020). His sixth project, released in 2022, is entitled Blessed and features wellknown Gospel tunes, including the title cut, “We’re Blessed,” a Fred Hammond favorite.

His first foray into Gospel Jazz, Blessed is a musical collage of soul inspiring songs.

Lovers of Gospel music will enjoy his new spin on “We’re Blessed”, as he adds some Go-Go, a genre native to Washington, DC, with its African percussive sounds.

Listeners will also love tracks like Lamar Campbell’s “More Than Anything” and Mary Mary’s “Walking”. Flaunting a signature sound and his smooth sax work on every cut, Blessed is a solid project of great music.

Not only is Melvin a proficient musician, but he teaches as well. As a music educator, he’s taught students at several schools in New York and Jacksonville, training the next generation of music leaders. But for Melvin, he’s already found his place in Jazz – and Gospel.

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He Wrote The Script...

God said to Jeremiah, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee.”

The same goes for all of you. God has an assignment for each of you, and it is me for you to accept it. If you are ready to consent to your calling and learn how to become an entrepreneur in the field you are passionate about, read He Wrote the Script...Just Follow It!

PURCHASE ON AMAZON

PURCHASE ON BARNES & NOBLE

PURCHASE ON ITUNES

P U R C H A S E O N PAY PA L

Overview of Book In this engaging and interactive guide, entrepreneur Verna Nickelberry provides key tips and strategies, along with relatable biblical principles, to guide you through the essential aspects of business: creation, communication, and collaboration. With spaces for reflection, and a planner to help you organize goals, events, and opportunities, you will move further along your path to entrepreneurship.

Hold God’s vision for you above any doubt, fear, or hesitation. The journey can be long and scary, but if you set credible, manageable goals for your success and allow God’s voice to guide you, you can break down the walls of negativity to build up your confidence and build up your business.

About the Author Ms. Nickelberry is the Founder and Editorial Director of Ordinary People Magazine (OPM) an inspirational magazine that showcase the stories and efforts of communities and charities. Ms. Nickelberry continuously serves others through sharing her confident spirit and the word of God. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, sewing, crocheting, and writing.

Ms. Nickelberry currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia

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WORD LIST COLOSSIANS GALATIANS HEBREWS II PETER

II TIMONTHY JAMES JOHN LUKE

MARK MATTHEW PHILEMON PHILIPPIANS

REVELATION ROMANS THE ACTS TITUS ordinarypeoplemagazine | 27

For Your Health

28 | March 2022

He a r t D is e a s e: Awa r e ne ss, Pr ev ent i on and the Conse q uence of Choi ce

BY PAOLA TENNON, RN, BSN, MBA/HCA, CCM Since 1963, the month of February has been recognized as “American Heart Month” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Thus, the focus of this article will be on conditions and diseases that impact the heart. According to the American Heart Association, Heart Disease is also known as Cardiovascular Disease or Coronary Disease.

The term cardiovascular disease refers to all types of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels and has been referenced as the big umbrella under which all types of heart diseases can be categorized. Some of these include coronary heart disease (clogged arteries), which can cause heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure; peripheral artery disease, congenital heart defects, heart valve and septal defects, arrhythmias, and dilated cardiomyopathy just to name a few. The National Heart and Blood Institute (NIH) suggest that “all heart diseases are cardiovascular diseases, but not all cardiovascular diseases are heart diseases.”

Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for both

men and women and a major cause of disability in the United States. The National Institutes of Health estimate that, 1 in 3 deaths, more than 800,000 people die of cardiovascular disease (CVD) every year in the United States. From a global perspective, in June of 2021, a staggering report from the World Health Organization (WHO), indicated that in 2019 there was an estimated 17.9 million people that died from cardiovascular disease. This represented 32% of all global deaths; and of these, 85% were due to heart attacks and strokes. Similarly, the Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update Fact Sheet At-a-Glance, stated cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounted for approximately 19.05 million global deaths in the year 2020 (8). In a separate report, poverty and stress were noted as two key factors contributing to the increase in cardiovascular heart disease. In addition, there can be varying signs and symptoms between men and women as it relates to heart attacks.

ordinarypeoplemagazine | 29

The Biblical reference for this article is the Book of Amos. The thought process that ties this scriptural reference to the topic of heart disease is directly related to making choices. You see, despite Amos’ prophetic warnings to the children of Israel regarding justice and righteousness, they remained unfaithful to God and disobedient.

consequences of our lifestyle choices. How we manage them is important to our overall wellness and the consideration they each warrant will help prevent potential unwanted consequences. It is my hope that the information provided in this article will be beneficial and help to motivate others to consider the impact of their life choices on their

“The Medical News Today reports that about 47% of people in the U.S. have at least one of three main risk factors for heart disease, which are: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. ” Despite the fact that they were God’s chosen people and multiple warnings of impending punishment had been given, they continued to go in their own way. They did not take under consideration the consequence of their behavior or of the choices they were making. As a result, they reaped the devastating wrath of God as Amos had predicted. Although the book of Amos has absolutely no reference to health; an overview of this book gives insight regarding the significance of awareness, prevention, and the potential

30 | March 2022

heart health. The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, provides an annual report on statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors. In this report they make reference to what they call essential health behaviors.

These include smoking, physical activity, diet, and increased weight, along with health factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control. These factors are addressed because each can contribute to our cardiovascular health (2).

Consider this, of all the heart attacks that occur each year, 1 in 5 is a silent heart attack according to an article by Medical News Today (5). This means the person was not aware of having a heart attack, but nonetheless, they sustained damage to their heart. Being intentional in increasing awareness of the topic of heart disease will not only motivate but will potentially enhance the quality of life of those struggling with this condition or even prevent the development of heart disease. Several medical reference sites suggest that cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing certain risk factors and with early intervention. So how do we increase our awareness regarding prevention, improve our long-term outcomes and improve our quality of life? The answer isn’t as challenging as we may think, and the same recommendations utilized for heart disease can also be applicable for many other diseases and conditions. We begin with a basic overview of the heart and it’s function.

The heart is the size of a fist and serves as a powerful muscular pump that is unique in its ability to ceaselessly contract and pump oxygenrich blood, nutrients from food, electrolytes, vitamins, antibodies, hormones, and other substances throughout the body. Furthermore, the

heart’s energy source that enables its pumping action is controlled by an electrical conduction system that coordinates the contraction of the various chambers of the heart, (7). The electrical impulses cause the heart to contract about 60 to 100 times a minute, depending on a person’s age. Another function of the heart that I found Interesting is that it serves as one of the body’s mechanisms for regulating blood pressure.

There is a hormone located in the center of the heart called Atrial Natriuretic Hormone or ANH which is carried by the blood to the kidneys and promotes the removal of excess water that is excreted in the urine, (6, pg. 117). The blood that is circulated by the heart is also responsible for removing waste products that are the results of digestion, metabolism, and other end products of breakdown processes that occur in the body and which are eliminated by way of the lungs, kidneys, stool, or perspiration. Each of these functions of the heart are significant because without proper performance of the heart, many of these processes can be interrupted, leading to serious and often frightening problems. This is because a diseased or damaged heart cannot effectively pump blood and can cause further damage and impact other organs and tissues. Lastly, another factor that can impact the heart and that should be taken under ordinarypeoplemagazine | 31

consideration include eating disorders which can be triggered by psychological issues such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia. These conditions are more commonly found among adolescent girls and young single women. People affected by these conditions typically use drastic measures to avoid gaining weight. As a result, the heart muscle weakens, the heartbeat slows and becomes erratic and blood pressure abnormally falls which can lead to heart failure, (6, pg. 192).

The Medical News Today reports that about 47% of people in the U.S. have at least one of three main risk factors for heart disease, which are: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.

They further state that other factors such as genetics involving family history, age, or gender; medical conditions such as diabetes, and lifestyle factors including a lack of exercise, excessive alcohol, unbalanced diet, being overweight and obesity can also increase a person’s risk. As you can see, many risk factors that impact heart disease are directly related to lifestyle choices.

However, heart disease and heart conditions impact all ages and not just the elderly. Heart disease and many heart conditions impact the lives of children, youth, and young adults, with many being congenital. A Jan 14, 2022, news report by Mayo Clinic states that, most congenital heart defects result from problems that occur early as the baby’s heart is developing before birth. However, certain environmental and genetic risk factors may play a role. They further state that serious

32 | March 2022

congenital heart defects signs and symptoms could include pale gray or blue skin color (cyanosis), rapid breathing, swelling in the legs, belly or areas around the eyes, shortness of breath during feedings, leading to poor weight gain. Less-serious congenital heart defects may not be diagnosed until later in childhood. These signs and symptoms may include easily becoming short of breath or fainting during exercise or activity, swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet (10). Furthermore, a report from the Texas Heart Institute states, that among young people who would otherwise have a very low risk of heart disease, cigarette smoking may cause as many as 75 percent of the cases of heart disease, and the longer a person smokes, the higher the risk of heart disease (11). Many of the risk factors and managements strategies for these groups are the same as those for adults. It is apparent that we must be mindful of the fact that there are consequences to every choice we make. And, while it is truth that; “Bad things do happen to good people”; it is also true that how we handle a situation is what really impacts the overall outcome, whether positive or negative. The following are recommendations for preventing a heart attack by reducing your risk of developing heart disease.

1. Quit smoking: this is a major risk factor for heart disease.

2. Eat a heart-healthy diet: opt for a hearthealthy diet rich in fiber, whole grain, fresh fruit, and vegetables. In addition:

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

limit the intake of processed foods, reduce added salt, fat, and sugar.

Manage cholesterol levels through dietary changes and medication Lower blood pressure through dietary changes and medication Increase physical activity: exercise regularly getting 150 minutes of moderate-intense physical activity per week. This helps strengthen the heart, reduce cholesterol, and maintain blood pressure.

Maintain a healthy weight: A healthy body mass index (BMI) is typical between 20 and 25. Establish goals.

Manage diabetes – manage underlying conditions and keep your diabetes under control.

Reduce alcohol use Lower stress levels REFERENCES

1.

Heart Disease and Family History - https://www.cdc. gov/genomics/resources/diseases/heart.htm 2.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2020 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/ CIR.0000000000000757 3.

Know the Difference - https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ health-topics/heart-healthy-lifestyle-changes/health-professionalinformation 4.

World Heart Federation. “Different Heart Diseases.”

January 31, 2020- https://www.world-heart-federation.org/ resources/different-heart-diseases/ 5.

10 heart disease facts - https://www.medicalnewstoday. com/articles/heart-disease-facts#summary 6.

The illustrated Atlas of the Human Body, B. McMillian, Argosy Publishing. Sydney, Australia 2008, reprint 2012, pgs. 117, 192, 7.

Anatomy and Function of the Heart’s Electrical System https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/ anatomy-and-function-of-the-hearts-electrical8. https://www.heart.org/-/media/PHD-Files-2/ScienceNews/2/2022-Heart-and-Stroke-Stat-Update/2022-Stat-Update-Ata-Glance.pdf 9.

10 heart disease facts - https://www.medicalnewstoday. com/articles/heart-disease-facts#cost 10.

Congenital heart defects in children - https://www. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/congenital-heart-defectschildren/symptoms-causes/syc-20350074 11.

Heart Disease Risk Factors for Children and Teenagers - https://www.texasheart.org/heart-health/heart-information-center/ topics/heart-disease-risk-factors-for-children-and-teenagers/

10. Ask your doctor about your blood pressure, cholesterol and A1C levels.

Remember: Regardless of the condition of your heart, there is a lot we can do to bring awareness by enhancing our knowledge, applying preventive strategies, and recognizing the consequence of choice.

RESOURCES 1. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/american-heartmonth 2.

FactSheets-https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/ education-and-awareness/heart-month/fact-sheets 3. https://www.imaware.health/blog/signs-of-anunhealthy-heart 4. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/heart-healthylifestyle-changes/health-professional-information 5. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/heart-healthylifestyle-changes/health-professional-information 6. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumerhealthcare/patient-education-resources-for-healthcare-providers 7.

All NHLBI Publications and Resources- https:// www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/all-publications-andresources?field_health_education_initiativ_target_ id%5B224%5D=224&page=1 8. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/allpublications-and-resources/know-differences-cardiovasculardisease-heart-disease-coronary-heart-disease

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Miracles and Blessings

Thank You,

MOTH ER

BY JAMES RATLIFF

It all started with my Grand Father on my mothers’ side of the family. His name was James Ratliff. I remember working for him as a young child. Grandfather James was a small man in stature. However, to me, he was a large, rich, and important man. I never saw him work for anyone other than himself. He grew peas, watermelons, okra, cotton, and acres of corn. He would have us pull the ears of corn from the stalk. We would then shuck the corn and shell the corn from the cob. He would have us to cut the stalks and put the stalks in piles. We would put the cobs in other piles. In another pile we would put the shucks. The corn would be in sacks or buckets, or we would store the grains in the crib (something like a barn). Grandfather would sell the stalks, cobs, shucks, and corn all separate. He was definitely a businessman. He taught us to take diligent care of the live stocks. Without the horses, he could not be able to plow

36 | March 2022

the fields or gather the wood for the fire for winter months. Materially, he was not a rich man. He kept food on the table for his family and was able to keep plenty of animals for killing and eating. His farm was self-sufficient and sustainable. He had butter from the cows and pork meat from the hogs.

He also had cows and chickens. I had enthusiastic respect for Grandfather James, and I admired him for his demanding work and dedication. He did not talk much at all, but I heard every word that he did not speak.

My Grandfather and Grandmother Shambry had three girls and six boys. The children were raised to work. Grandmother Shambry died when I was two and a half years of age. I do not remember her at all. I vaguely remember the funeral. I do remember mother telling us how they would stay up late at night and make coal to sell to rich

greens, potatoes, sweet potatoes, sugar cane, pumpkins, and various other crops. My brother David and I would help daddy peddler the crops in Greenwood, Mississippi. We would ride on the back and sides of the truck down the streets yelling out the names of the vegetable we had on the truck and people would run out of their homes with money in their hands and buy all the vegetables we had. David and I would go out into the woods and pick plums and muscadines and sell them along with daddy. We would keep the money and buy our school clothes.

white families in the country and in the small town of Carrollton. Even the girls had to work in the woods cutting trees and helping to make the coal from chips cut from the trees. I also remember picking cotton for my uncle Norman (mothers’ brother). Times were hard but, for some reason, I enjoyed the challenging work. I did not always show it but, I liked to see the crops grow from a tiny seed into something edible. Let us face it, I like to eat.

My father was a diligent worker, also. He had his personal issues but, he was nevertheless, an industrious man. He knew how to grow anything.

He did not pressure me into working like he did the rest of my siblings. I took my time with him and started to work when I was ready. My father grew cotton, corn, watermelons, peas, butter beans, okra, tomatoes, beets, peanuts, squash, cucumbers,

My fathers’ name was Joseph Lewis, Sr. and my mother was Ruthie Mae Ratliff. They had twelve children (five girls and seven boys). My mother was a homemaker. We had three meals every day when we were sharecroppers. I enjoyed every one of the meals. Mother was an excellent cook. She could take anything and make a meal out of it. I learned how to cook from her. I consider myself an excellent cook, as well. I began cooking at age five. I cooked a skillet of corn bread for a sick neighbor. Her children praised the corn bread and it made me feel so good. From that point in life, I knew I wanted to be a cook. Mother could also sew, milk cows, she was our nurse, she washed our clothes using a washboard and a washpot. Saturday was our wash and clean day. We had to carry water from the pond and boil the water in the washpot to sterile it for washing. We “caught” water from the rain for drinking, bathing, and cooking. We had chickens for meat and eggs, hogs and cows for meat and milk. We would go out into the woods and gather berries, nuts, and wild game eggs for cooking and eating, also. Daddy would take us fishing. He also took my other brothers hunting.

I did not like hunting so, I did not go or learn to hunt. We ate animals like turtle, o-possum, cone, squirrel, rabbit, and deer. Those were the happy years. We were wild, adventurous, and free. And for a while, we were happy. Or at least, I was.

ordinarypeoplemagazine | 37

“S E LF C A RE ”

I S T H E B ES T CARE!

ordinarypeoplemagazine | 39

Consider This

FACING THE MUSIC

BY VANDERBILT BRABSON III, AUTHOR

Many years ago, a man wanted to play in the Imperial Orchestra, but he couldn’t play a note.

However, since he was a person of great wealth and influence, he demanded that he be allowed to join the orchestra so that he could perform in front of the king. Finally, and reluctantly, the conductor agreed to let the man sit in the second row of the orchestra. Even though the man couldn’t read music, he was given a flute, and when a concert would begin, he would raise his instrument, pucker his lips, and move his fingers. He went through all the motions of playing, but with his instrument he never made a sound.

This deception went on for two years. Then one day, to the man’s surprise, suddenly a new conductor took over the Imperial Orchestra. The

40 | March 2022

new conductor informed the orchestra that he wanted to personally audition each of the players to see how well they could play. He informed them that the auditions would weed out all those who did not meet his standards, and he intended to dismiss them from the orchestra.

One by one the players performed in his presence.

Frantic with worry when it was his turn, the phony flutist pretended to be sick. The doctor who was ordered to examine him, however, declared that this man was perfectly well. The conductor insisted that the man appear and demonstrate his skill. Awkwardly, the man was compelled to finally confess that he was a fake. That was the day he had to “face the music.” Likewise, many people simply go through the motions of the Christian life without genuinely being Christians. They attend

their religious hypocrisy. Even though these people continued to observe certain ceremonies of the Mosaic Law, they stubbornly refused to obey God wholeheartedly. Fact is, they continued to transgress God’s Law by repeatedly visiting Gilgal and Bethel where they participated in idol worship. Like the phony flutist in our story who stubbornly refused to voluntarily abandon his hypocrisy until exposed, these people of the Northern Kingdom of Israel obstinately refused to exclusively worship and serve the true and the living God. Oh, to be sure, they went through the motions of worship, but their actions revealed the hypocrisy of their hearts. And in spite of their continuous rebellion, God still through His prophet (Amos 5:12-15) repeatedly appealed to this people to repent and turn back to Him in order that He may show them His mercy. Scripture reveals however that the ten tribes in the Northern Kingdom of Israel did not repent, did not abandon their idols, nor turn back to God.

church, youth groups, church functions, and recite Bible verses, and seek to say all the right things. However, in reality, these individuals are phonies. They are fakes. And we can all be sure that there is coming a time when each of us will be called to stand before the God and Judge of Heaven and earth and also “face the music.” And when that time comes, no one will be able to hide in the crowd nor blend in with genuine believers. The phonies will be separated from the true players—the true believers (ref. Matthew 25:31-46).

In the Old Testament book of the Prophet Amos, we see the inspired words of Amos chiding the people dwelling in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Why? Because of

As a result, God rejected this people’s religious sacrifices, peace offerings, and songs of praise. Why? Because God wanted them to pursue justice and righteousness in His sight. However, rather than do so, these people chose to continue with their vain and meaningless practices and rituals. Therefore, God’s judgment came in the form of allowing the brutal Assyrians to invade their land and overcome them. And yet even in the midst of the brutal Assyrian invasion, God still showed mercy to a small group of Jewish survivors in the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

So, what does God’s judgment on the Northern Kingdom of Israel have to do with you and me as Christians? What lessons can you and I learn and glean from God’s long sufferings ordinarypeoplemagazine | 41

and dealing with the Northern Kingdom of Israel in order that we ourselves may avoid “facing the music?”

1) God has called and empowered each of us as Christian men and women to be part of a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation which makes up the Church, and therefore, God’s very own possession (1 Peter 2:9).

Why? In order that God is glorified in our lives as His holiness and goodness is evidenced in and through our daily walk as believers. We who were once individuals walking in spiritual darkness, now have God’s power plainly being demonstrated in and through our lives for all to see. Our very lives and profession of faith now give evidence that we no longer walk in spiritual darkness but have been called into the wonderful light of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.

prayers will not be hindered (1 Peter 3:7)? What good are our personal prayers if their purpose is not to get God’s will done on earth through us as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10)? What good are our personal prayers if we get up off our knees just as unrepentant as when we first sank to our knees in prayer?

What good are our songs of praise to our God when we fail to have God’s love shed abroad in our hearts because of our habitual walk outside His will (1 Corinthians 13:1)? Are not such songs sung from our lips and unrepentant heart simply noise before God? Is not God more interested in hearing from individuals whose hearts humbly seek to know and to do His will first and foremost?

“As Christians we need to understand that our homes, our marriages, our families will not see and experience improvement until we personally repent and beg God to help us walk upright before Him. ”

2) If we have become carnal Christians (1 Corinthians 3:1-4), we must ask ourselves how many warnings will our loving Heavenly Father give us before we truly repent and submit to a holy walk before our Great God and Savior.

As Christians we need to understand that our homes, our marriages, our families will not see and experience improvement until we personally repent and beg God to help us walk upright before Him. To do otherwise only invites the chastening hand of God in our lives as Christians (Hebrews 12:6-7).

3) God is not interested in our sacrifices of praise and prayer and good deeds if our unrepenting hearts see no need of a right standing before Him. Why should we erroneously think that if we refuse to repent of the sin in our lives that our

42 | March 2022

Consider the inspired words of the Psalmist [Psalm

1:1-3] which reveal that God’s blessings rest upon those who truly seek to know Him and obey Him. In our world those who spend their lives seeking true joy and happiness apart from God [through Jesus Christ] never truly find it. However, true joy

and happiness will always find those who allow God to sit on the throne of their hearts and have first place in their lives, their marriages, and their homes.

“I believe Christians often perceive obedience to God as some test designed just to see if we’re really committed to Him. But what if it’s designed as God’s way of giving us what’s best for us?”

Craig Groeschel Craig Groeschel is the founder and senior pastor of Life Church, an American evangelical multi-site church with locations in 10 U.S. states. © February 2022 Vanderbilt Brabson III, Author ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ordinarypeoplemagazine | 43

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1

“Guys…this is Missile Morgan” Seeking to overcome the scars from her abusive, alcoholic father, Jesse Cartwright, Anthony’s best friend from childhood, is determined to make something of her life. Tomboyish in every way, at times her stubbornness puts her in direct conflict with Anthony’s other friends. A born fighter, she ultimately proves to be tougher than every boy in the neighborhood and the only friend Anthony can really count on. As Anthony battles his inner demons in his march toward glory, and Jesse struggles through her own personal tragedies and loss, their paths grow apart. Eventually the two dis- cover their lives are somehow intertwined and neither will truly realize his or her dreams without the other.

Surpassing the expectations his father had for him, Anthony Morgan is poised to be the biggest phenomenon baseball has seen in years.

Anthony’s future is set. He has worked hard for it, dreamed about it all his life, and can practically taste it! However, what Anthony could not foresee was the untimely death of his father—his mentor and hero. This tragedy started a downward spiral of bad decisions, which ultimately threaten Anthony’s life and future in baseball.

Beyond the Lies is as captivating as The Natural, as compelling as Love Comes Softly, and at times as humorous as Diary of a Mad Black Woman. It’s a coming of age story that will appeal to the young and old, the sports enthusiast, the romantic, those gripped by human tragedy, and those who celebrate the triumph of the human spirit.

Author Mr. Vanderbilt Brabson, III https://beyondthelies-theboo.com https://www.amazon.cm/Vanderbilt-Brabson-III/e/ B004DWVNW?ref=dbs_p_pbk_r00_abau_000000 See the book Trailer at https://www.vanderbiltbrabsoniii.com

Small Business Corner

C h e f So n ya King of K in g Kreati ons PC S 46 | March 2022

“Chef, what’s for dinner?” Clothed in my studentchef wear while on the train in Atlanta, Ga, occasionally, I got asked that question. Oftentimes, I was tired from long hours in culinary school or having to get up early to go there, but I always made time to engage with those who opted to ask me. Fast forward to now, and that’s what I get my “Sisterpreneurs” to echo me at Xperience Connections (XC) women’s networking meetings as I start my three-minute spiel of what I can do for them as their “Personal Chef.”

Did I always want to be a chef? No! Actually, I wanted to get into computers or foreign languages when I first started college fresh out of high school.

It wasn’t until I separated from my kids’ father that I considered going to culinary school. During the separation, I worked for Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station 16 (now 18) as part of the ground-breaking crew mainly in concessions, for Super Suppers in Smyrna, GA where I got my personal chef training; and for a nonprofit organization, Teens At Work, in East Point, GA where I taught underprivileged kids ages 5-15 culinary classes. It gave me so much pleasure to be able to teach those children the joys of the culinary world, and although it wasn’t fancy smancy, it was fun working in concessions serving the masses hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn. I was even continuously in the top 10 in the combos contests.

As a child, I was around food learning at the side of my late grandmother, Jeanette Earl, how to cook and bake. She was a wonderful cook and baker. My first recollection of her decorating a cake was when she made a red, white, and blue cake. The colors were so vibrant, and the cake was beautiful. While she didn’t know how to pipe icing decorations, the cake was still both visually appealing and definitely tasty.

One day in my high-school cooking class, a Wilton cake decorating teacher was a guest to show the students some cake decorating skills.

When she piped a rose on a flower nail, it planted a seed in me as I was amazed at such beauty made from icing. It wasn’t until the mid 90s that at the suggestion of my good friend and later our

church’s first lady, Debbie Young, that I took cake decorating classes. Debbie knew that I had a desire to help make ends meet at home with my kids’ dad while being able to be around for my little ones, so she mentioned that I could cook, bake, and sell my food. I opted to bake cakes, cookies, pies, and yeast breads and rolls. Learning cake decorating added value to my new craft. It was during this time that King Kreations was conceptualized.

During the course of 14 years, I taught over 100 students in local craft or party stores. Watching their eyes become aglow as they watched me pipe a rose, stirred up fond memories of that fateful day in my high-school cooking class. Then, to see them become even more thrilled to be able to do what I taught them gave me my spinach, so to speak. It further strengthened that burning desire inside of me, but I still didn’t know I wanted to be a chef.

In the 80s movie The Last Dragon, the main character, Leroy, was told by many that he was the master. He would deny it over and over again. He didn’t believe that he possessed the “power of the glow”. Like Leroy, I didn’t know that a chef was inside of me. I could hear the “Teens At Work” director, Marvin Bussey say, “You’re the chef of the center”, when to me I was just plain-old Sonya a new single mom who was told about a job that would help put food on the table and pay bills. Or I’d hear others over the course of time say “You should go to culinary school since you’re good at cooking and baking.” Rolling my eyes, I’d shrug it off by giving a little chuckle and move on.

Over the years I heard people mention, “Oh, I’m working in my spiritual gift, and I’m so happy.” Spiritual gift? What’s that? Many time I wondered if I had spiritual gifts. Or did God pass me by. Then, sometime later my wonderful pastor, Charles Young, gave a sermon insisting that each member take a spiritual gift discovery tool test. His assignment was for us to do the 3 Ds: Discover our gifts, Develop our gifts, and Deploy our gifts. OK, so I was gamed and took the online test only to find out that like those who I had previously mentioned that they were in their gifts, surprisingly, so was I. My main spiritual ordinarypeoplemagazine | 47

gifts are hospitality and teaching. Armed with that knowledge, I had to follow through with what Pastor Young said and go develop them, so I enrolled in The International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Atlanta in the spring of 2007.

It was one of the best decisions of my life. In the beginning in order to save money, I merely wanted to do the baking and pastry program just so I could get a diploma and show my future cake decorating students my credentials. As time went on, I was having too much fun and stayed to get my dual degree.

For two and a half years, culinary school was my life along with being a mother to my two dependent children and having my loving mother, Carolyn Anderson, at my side. Each quarter I was on the school’s President’s List. Then finally in June of 2010, I graduated summa cum laude.

Wow! What a great feeling that was! While my immediate family were present at my graduation, it was God, my grandmother (in spirit), and I walking across that stage. My grandmother really poured into me and wanted me to go to college, but I didn’t finish my first go arounds (I attended Georgia State University and Atlanta Metropolitan State College as well.) because of my priority to be a wife and mother. I kept a stiff upper lip and walked across that stage knowing that she was proud of me. My dual degree is as a certified culinarian (CC) and certified pastry culinarian (CPC) through the American Culinary Federation (ACF). During my time in culinary school, I developed my business plan and made King Kreations into King Kreations PCS (personal chef service). From working at Super Suppers, I already had the knowledge of being a personal chef.

Has the road been smooth on this journey? No, but as I said in another interview, I’ve learned so much during this time. Because I know the struggle is real as a Sisterpreneur, I decided to help other women in the struggle by becoming a leader for the women’s networking group, Xperience Connections, in August 2018. XC South Fulton is a thriving location. “Be the wings a Sisterpreneur needs to soar in her business” is my quote from my book Chef, Where’s Dinner? My Journey

48 | March 2022

back to the Kitchen available on Amazon. To be able to bring more businesswomen together to help empower them and further their dreams and aspirations is an exhilarating feeling. I told my good friend and sister chef, Samantha Jackson of Soul City Sweets, that we had to do this joint venture because we both know all too well about the struggles of getting our businesses out here. If I can help another Sisterpreneur flourish with fewer bumps and scrapes, then I’m happy to help because it’s a ministry for me.

In May of 2019, I rebranded my business to include my product partner, Plexus Worldwide.

Food and nutrition go hand in hand, and it just made sense to add it. The plant-based supplements have helped me to manage my health issues very well, and I wanted to share it with others and give them hope outside of prescriptions. Feeding souls and healing guts one at a time is what I do now as the personal gut health chef.

Along with the chef, XC leader, and author hats, I’ve added being a blogger and YouTuber to my resume. My food and wellness blog, Delightful Dish Ups, is on my website. There I share not only my food but also health and collaboration tips from my sisterpreneurs and others. Lastly, I relaunched my King Kreations PCS YouTube channel last year in March, and there you’ll find me hamming it up either solo or with my guests who have to be ready to have fun, too. My tag line is “A recipe is just a guide. Kreate it the way you want using your heart and your head.” Your heart is from your mama or grandmother’s teaching, and your head is from book or Internet learning. When you put those two together, ohhhh, the magic happens.

My King Kreations PCS community ties find it aligned with two non-profit organizations. Because my mother and I were homeless for a few months at the beginning of our stay here in Atlanta, I chose to be a part of Area in Need located in Riverdale, GA. They help those who have been displaced for various reasons get on their feet with food, clothing, etc. So many of us have been touched by someone who has died of breast cancer and/or who has become a survivor. My way of remembering

my loved ones is by working with Hope for the Journey in Mableton, GA. They encourage and empower the women from the beginning with positive vibes and activities which is so important during a very negative situation like breast cancer.

God is so good. I believe that He has carefully orchestrated all these chain of events in my life to get me where I am now. I have my wonderful new husband, Harvey Worthem, of almost 6 years on my journey. My daughter and my son are responsible adults, and my daughter has given me two beautiful little grandsons. My mother is so loving and supportive and always has been the wind beneath my wings. One of my favorite Bible verses is “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). He’s already prepared the way, and I continue to wait for Him to prepare me (and my tribe of those who will help me move further along) for the great things He has in store.

ordinarypeoplemagazine | 49

REMEMBER TO INCLUDE SELF-CARE WITHIN YOUR WEEKLY SCHEDULE Create your own self-care routine!

Inspirational Words

P SALM 2 3 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

ordinarypeoplemagazine | 51

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52 | March 2022

FROM WITHIN...

BY VERNA V. NICKELBERRY Can you believe it’s 2022!

It’s being a long two years! Since the beginning of COVID-19, it seem as if things opening up again. Although our way of life will never go back to way it was, it feel good to go out a little more, and yet we still have to be mindful of our surroundings.

We do hope that you all are looking forward to great things happening as we move into this new year and take on a new outlook on life. Please take time out for some rest and relaxation, time to clear your mind when you are feeling a little overwhelm with life. If there is ever a time to be an advocate for you own

mental health it is now! Don’t be afraid to speak up and speak out. Take time to meditate, take long bath, journal about your day, whatever you need to do to take care of you. Self-care is the BEST care!

We are anticipating a great year here at ORDINARY PEOPLE, and we are wishing the same for you!

Thank you so much for your continual support!

And as always, Love, Peace, and Increase…

Verna V. Nickelberry

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