November 2013 weSPARKLE issue 2 by weSPARKLE Sponsored by Women Ablaze Intl. Min.

Meet The Team Bianca Thomas

Zenita Askew

Rosey Slocum

As the founder and visionary for Women Ablaze International Ministries and weSPARKLE Magazine, Mrs. B. Thomas also acts as the content creator and inspirational writer for our magazine.

Bringing her vivid imagination to a visual forefront, Ms. Z. Askew gracefully serves as the Creative Director for weSPARKLE Magazine and is an active member of Women Ablaze International Ministries. She is also the owner of Askew Art & Graphic Design.

Catching all of the action both in front of the camera and behind the scenes Mrs. R. Slocum is our Senior Editor and Senior Photographer for weSPARKLE Magazine. She is an active member of Women Ablaze International Ministries as well as the owner of Vision of Rose Photography.

We would like to extend a warm

THANKS to OUR CONTRIBUTORS: • • • • • • • • •

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A Little Bit About Us

W A I

Women Ablaze International Ministries

ounded Oct 2011, By Minister Bianca Thomas, Women Ablaze International Ministries is an Inter-Denominational Christian Women’s Ministry composed of a Network of Christians from different denominations and backgrounds with like hearts, vision and purpose; which is to Love, lead and empower women, propelling them towards greatness through Jesus Christ. WAIM is committed to helping women from all walks of life, experience the love, healing and delivering power of God. As a team, we are devoted to create a Christian Network of Sisterhood; providing resources to positively influence the women we come in contact with throughout our lives. One of our goals and desires is to have a website that will have inspirational stories, video interviews, products and teaching materials to assist in living a healthy, successful and productive Christian life. God has given us a great opportunity to expose women to a supportive community with an abundance of love, opportunities and knowledge to assist, inspire and encourage them to walk in faith and confidence, so that they may experience the Greatness of God through our lives, worship and service. To help women experience the life changing power and presence of a Faithful and loving God; we are committed to encourage personal and spiritual development by working with our organizations as well as creating a loving and welcoming atmosphere in our conferences, workshops, outreach and social events. We truly believe our efforts will empower women to have healthier family relationships, utilize their gifts and talents for the Kingdom of God, serve in their churches, impact their communities and that women from all walks of life will be able to proclaim boldly, “I am A Women of God, I am Loved, I am Beautiful. I am Powerful, I am Destined for Greatness & I am Blazing for Lord!!!“

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My Contents Within: Issue 2, November 2013

5 | Bianca’s Corner 8 | Beauty Tips with LaShendra 9 | Fashion

10 | Inspirational Writing: Bianca Thomas

11 | Inspirational Writing: The Pen & the Sword 12 | Financial Matters 13 | Health

14 | Thankfulness 16 | Feature Stories’ Segment Intro 18 | Feature Story No. 1: Bianca Thomas 22 | Feature Story No. 2: Kim “Michelle” Harris

24 | Feature Story No. 3: Tara (Triggs) Sample

28 | Feature Story No. 4: Shirley P. Richardson

45 | DIY: Frugal Living 46 | Holiday Meal Budgeting

R I

48 | Community Outreach: Awareness

50 | Valuable Resources 51 | Sponsors & Supporters 52 | W.A.I.M. Prayer Line 54 | A Prayer of Salvation

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Bianca’s Corner

Do you have a GRATEFUL

By: Bianca Thomas

Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this. ~1 Thessalonians 5:18

t’s just little pink honey, my sweet husband said hesitantly, PINK, I shouted, while sobbing, that means I’m pregnant AGAIN!. I still remember that day all too well, trying to be in denial, but I knew I was pregnant very early because my saliva glands become over active, YUK! I wasn’t having menstrual cycles because I was breast feeding, but I still prayed very hard, “Lord please let it be the flu”. When it was confirmed that I was pregnant with my forth child, shamefully, I was not too

thrilled, to say the least, I was mad at my husband, because it was “HIS” fault, I was feeling very embarrassed because my last child was only 6 months old, I didn’t want to have stair step kids like those I occasionally talked about in passing, OUCH! I could no longer hear God and besides I was just getting my shape back, I was fuming. THIS was not fair; I was only supposed to have one more child as a favor to my Husband who didn’t have any prior to us getting married. Even though he said he was fine with my two oldest, I knew better, every man really wants at least one paternal child, I said to my self, but NOT TWO BABIES! I was NOT HAPPY and if mama AIN”T happy, guess what? NOBODY in the house will be either!!! And this ministering woman of God, was going to make her wonderful husband miserable!

What would my doctor say, what would my friends say, how embarrassing. Too ashamed to go to my regular OBGYN, after 4 months, I headed to the Health Department. With my head down in shame, I Walked up to the counter where an older woman was smiling as she waiting for me to sign in. Slightly smiling in return I said, “I know you are so glad that you don’t have to go through the misery of this again”?, staring into my eyes no longer smiling she said, “Honey I wish I could have gone through pregnancy one time, I wasn’t able to bear children”. At that moment it seemed as though someone slapped me and knocked the wind out of me and for the first time in months I heard God, “I have given you the ability to bear children and to give life and you complain, this woman desired to give life and could not, YOU ARE SO UNGRATEFUL!!!!!!

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Bianca’s Corner Do you have a Grateful Heart?

hat was a great defining moment in my life that has helped me during times when I want to complain. It just no longer seem to make sense, being a Christian and a complainer, ungratefulness and a grumbler. Now as I look back and having had the Joy of giving life to another amazing son , being trust by God to handle his heart, I am so honored to experience life with him, watching him grow up to be a handsome and talented 17 year old young man who greatly desires to have an personal encounter with God. Now it’s my attitude, I was embarrassed about. Instead of being concerned about what would others may think, I should have been thinking about how my unborn child felt or about how did my complaining make my Heavenly Father, God feel, the giver of ALL good gifts? We proclaim to be thankful believers in the love with God, trusting His wisdom and faithfulness, yet when things are not going the way WE THINK they should, we quickly turn our hearts toward self and become ungrateful pity partiers, displaying ungratefulness.

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The other day I was reading an article by Max Lucado, where He talked about Jesus finding a way to be thankful in the midst of His darkest hour? He writes, “If you feel the world owes you something, brace yourself for a life of sour hours. You’ll never get reimbursed. The sky will never be blue enough; the steak won’t be cooked enough; the universe won’t be good enough to deserve you. You’ll snap and snarl your way to an early grave. However thankful people focus less on their lack and more on the privileges they have. And why shouldn’t we be grateful? Jesus cured our leprosy; which sin cankered our souls and he numbered our senses. Yet, the word told us we were healed and lo and behold, we were! But, what about the disastrous days? The nights we can’t sleep and the hours we can’t rest? What of the painful and pain-filled days when the economy crashes, your friend forgets, or one of your parents (or spouse) leaves? Will you be Grateful then? Jesus was. “The Lord Jesus in the same night in which he was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it…… (1Corinthians 11:23-24

Not often do you see the words “betrayed” and “thanks” in the same sentence much less in the same heart. In the midst of the darkest night of the human soul, Jesus found a way to give thanks. Anyone can thank God for the light. Jesus teaches us to thank God for the night. Gratitude gets us through the hard stuff. To reflect on your blessings is to rehearse God’s accomplishments. To rehearse God’s accomplishments is to discover His heart. To discover His heart is to discover not just good gifts but the Good Giver. Gratitude always leaves us looking at God and helps us exchange bitterness for something better”.

n this month’s special edition titled, “SILENT NO MORE” you will read stories of women who have been abused, raped, molested and beaten almost to death, but, through it all they are at peace, giving God glory for all they have endured. Believe me, On their own, that would be impossible, but because they surrendered the PAIN of the past to God and made a decision, choosing, not to be bound by hate, bitterness and unforgiveness, they were made free, Free to live a life, DESTINED FOR GREATNESS.

Bianca’s Corner Where are you today? Are you experiencing Freedom, living in the light of gratitude and thankfulness? or are you walking in the darkness of depression, choosing to be miserable and ungrateful? No matter if your world seems to be fallen apart you can CHOOSE to live above your circumstances, by leaning on and trusting the God who says in Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper;I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

praising God, remembering the great things He has done and wants to continually do in your life. I guarantee, if you would make this a daily practice, it will not only change the life, but also stop the enemy of discouragement and despair from afflicting your thoughts. Through daily worship and praise, you will find peace, joy and rest in your heart.

Psalm 107:1-2 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary…

I pray that issue will encourage and inspire you to live a purposeful life, that will honor God and bring Him Glory. With all my love, Bianca

You can also choose to be grateful, walk in forgiveness and be released from your past, free to live a life filled with God’s joy , peace and unfailing love! John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” If you want to be free from the depression of your past or you just need to feel God’s comfort and presence in your life at this moment, Opening your mouth RIGHT NOW and ask God to forgive you for not being thankful or for not obeying and trusting Him in your life and then start

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Beauty Tips With LaShendra

Health y Vibrant Skin in

Winter T

he first step to flawless makeup starts with healthy vibrant skin. Skincare is the base for getting that perfect makeup application. I’ve included here some things that I like to use on my skin and can be used on any skin whether it be dry, oily, our combination. Having glowing radiant skin is what we all as women want. And in the fall winter time the skin changes a lot. Let’s learn a few easy ways to achieve smooth skin for the fall/winter and any time of the year. Start off using this to remove your makeup. The first rule of makeup is to never ever sleep in it. Makeup is a barrier on the skin and if you sleep in it, your skin cannot breathe which will cause your pores to clog and can start acne and other skin problems to occur. Next, use:

Use to cleanse your skin. The Cetaphil can be used on any skin type and it’s a great, gentle cleanser for the skin. The

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By: LaShendra Johnson By: LaShendra Johnson By: LaShendra Johnson Aveeno is used for acne prone skin and is foam-based so it gives a really nice deep cleanse to the face. While you have either cleanser on your face you will then want to use the manual facial brush (left): The manual facial brush to give your skin an even more thorough cleaning. Use this brush in gentle circular motions all over the face. Also,don’tforget to cleanse your neck and décolleté (neck, chest and shoulders) area. Makeup and dirt collect there and this area can be the first area to show signs of aging. Next, you will use the toner to tighten the skin and wipe away any oil residue on the face. From here if you have acne you will proceed to use your acne cream of choice. For any other skin types, after your toner, I recommend that you use a moisturizer of your choice. Be sure to look for a moisturizer that has SPF in it to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays during the day, even if your foundation has SPF in it. Any brand will work as long as it has the degree of SPF that you want and is compatible with your skin type. Other things you can do to your face to get

that glowing skin is to use a gentle facial scrub. This Aveeno scrub is gentle enough to use every day but do not use the facial brush withthis as it can scratch the skin.

To give yourself that spa treatment at home opt for a clay mask. This mask helps soothe the skin, boosts its appearance and unclogs your pores. Just apply evenly to the face, let it sit and harden, then rinse off with warm water and pat dry. Now ladies, you have a complete skincare regime to follow. Feel free to tweak the products used. Remember flawless makeup starts with great skin.

Shopping Tip: All of the facial products can be found at your local drug store, Wal-Mart, Target, or K-Mart. The manual facial brush can be found at vBulletin. com, The Dollar Tree. The makeup removing wipes can be found online at lafreshgroup. com or you can opt for a brand of your choice by shopping at a local drug store, dollar store or super market.

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Wardrobe 101

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Fashion

Inspirational Writing: Bianca Thomas Woman of God, my Sista girl, Do you know that you are Loved, Awesome, Beautiful, Powerful and Wonderfully Created so unique? Hand Crafted by the hands of God, Shaped and Molded with Excellence There is no one in this world like you

Woman of God, My Sista Girl By Bianca Thomas

Did you know YOU were Divinely Chosen and Created for God’s Pleasure and Purpose, to be His hands, Feet, Eyes and Ears, to be the Extension of His Heart Beat on this earth? For Only YOU can do what God created YOU to do and YOU hold the key to Someone’s Healing, Peace, Joy and Breakthrough! YEA, Honey Child I talking about YOU So, if you didn’t know, Now you know, SISTA GIRL…......………..

YOU ARE BADD!

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Inspirational Writing: The Pen and the Sword

“Six Silver Hearts”

By Theresa G

t was a beautiful Fall day as I drove to work. There was a wonderful crispness and chill to the air. I was early when I checked into my office, so I locked the door behind me and went back toward the break-room to put my lunch in the fridge. Just as I rounded the corner, I looked down and saw the oddest sight: There it was, on the floor, a tiny, silver heart. Where did that come from, I wondered as I knelt down to pick it up. While in the prime position for praying, I happened to notice a second heart on the floor. I picked that one up, too. I smiled to myself as I dropped the precious silver pieces in my pocket. A tiny love-note from God, I thought. Perhaps He is trying to tell me He loves me. A few feet away is a small college-size refrigerator where I stash my lunch. Just outside of the cold, rectangular box was, not one, not two, but THREE more of the little hearts. Another message from God? I walked a few more steps toward the door that accessed my office from the other side. Just as I began to cross over the threshold, what did I see? You guessed it, another heart. Where did these small hearts come from? Were they an office supply? Some piece of machinery or part of a tool? Had they fallen off

a necklace or a bracelet? (Not one that I owned, I was certain of that.) When I got to my desk I reached into my pocket and pulled out all six hearts. I closely examined them by turning them over and over in my palm. I felt my brows furrow as they tend to do when I’m in deep thought. I walked to the window, rather absent mindedly shaking the hearts in my hands as if they were coins. Surely they can’t be any sort of an apparatus like a nail or tack or clip. But, what are they? Love notes from God. Just leave it at that, I heard in my head. I felt my heart begin to warm and melt away the chilliness in the Crisp Virginia Air. Hum, a love note from God? Is that really possible? In my simple mind, it is. You see, God loves us. If He can do something as grand as send His ONLY CHILD to the cross to die, to save me from MY sins, then why can’t He send me a little reminder of His Love and Grace every now and then? I admit it, I didn’t check with lost and found to see who may have dropped the hearts. They were in such an odd place and I’m practically the only one who goes back there. These days, I still keep those hearts in my desk drawer in my home office. Every time I open the drawer and see them, they remind me of God’s love and tiny little surprises. Six Silver Hearts…Love Notes from God.

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Financial Matters

ast month, we took a hard look at what we spend our money on each month. This month, we take a look at the areas we can cut out our extra spending as well as how to shop smart and save more. So, let’s begin! Last month you were to add up all of your receipts and put the totals onto a sheet of paper. Some of you may not be shocked at where your money goes and some of you may. Did you know that the average American family spends anywhere from $200 to $600 per year on fast food? What could you do with an extra $200? I bet your first thought wouldn’t be to buy fast food. But that’s what we do! So, the first step to our Budget Bootcamp is to say “NO” to buying fast food. The money that we spend on purchasing fast food could go to other things such as groceries, medical, personal items and more. The average fast food combo costs anywhere from $6 to $10, depending on the restaurant. If you have a family of 4, eating out could cost you $40 or more. There are many resources out there that teaches and instructs families how to create a whole week’s worth of meals on less than $50! If you plan ahead, shop ahead and prepare ahead, you could prepare a week’s worth of meals on a Sunday, freeze them and use a crockpot or slow cooker to prepare the meal while you’re working. Most meals, you can put into the crockpot or slow cooker while it’s still frozen which means, no work for you and you get to come home to a home cooked meal. I challenge you to take the first step to our Budget Bootcamp and I promise you, by January, if you stick to this, you will see results in your finances. Next month, we tackle that shopping habit and learn how to earn some cash back from our purchases! If you are interested in receiving the weekly meal recipes, you can send a message to womenablazers@ hotmail.com and we will send them over to you!

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udget ootcamp

Health

Nurse Pat, on Health By: Nurse Pat

that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this “sludge’ reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal. A serious note about heart attacks - you should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.

HERE’S TO YOUR HEALTH e are so honored to add to our staff of Sparkling professionals a “young lady” I’ve know for many years, Nurse Pat, as she would like to be called. Residing in California, Pat has been a Registered Nurse for over 40 years. She is a proud mother, Grand mother, wellness coach,lifestyle trainer and a woman after God’s heart .

You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let’s be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive.

Her Goal is to maintain complete wellness and help others do the same. This includes physical, mental, spiritual and financial . Her Mission is to leave a legacy for others so that they can own their own lives which means loving God, going where they want, doing what they want, living debt free and having financial independence.

DISCLAIMER: You must not rely on the information on this website (weSPARKLEmagazine) as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional health care provider.

She writes, “I live my life being positive, grateful and God fearing. For me wellness involves mental, physical and spiritual components. Lets walk in wellness together”. This month’s health tips: SKIN The Skin is the largest organ of our body. It serves as the first line of defense in our body. Its main function is protection and it is an organ of excretion. Detox the skin at least once a week by taking a bath in Epsom salt or baking soda.

If you have any questions that you may have about Health or nutrition, Please send all questions to. SUBJECT: Nurse Pat womenablazers@hotmail.com

If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional health care provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website or in weSPARKLE magazine.

EFFECTS OF COLD WATER AFTER HAVING A MEAL For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff

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Thankfulness

It’s What I’m Thankful For weSPARKLE team members set out to find what our readers are thankful for. Many are thankful for family members. Some are thankful for their jobs. Others are are thankful for their husbands. Ask yourself this, “What am I thankful for?” This is exactly what we asked our readers and here are their responses: Tamara – “I’m thankful for my children and for my fiancé. I was in a terrible relationship with my children’s father and my fiancé is the one who saved me from that situation. I owe my life to him. He loves my children like his own and he treats me like a queen.” Adaleah – “I am most thankful for my heart. I feel like I have a really good heart. I care about people very deeply; no matter if I know them on a personal level or not. I’ve always had a very caring heart.” Tonya – “I’m thankful for my modeling career that is finally taking off. I’ve put my heart and soul into becoming a model. Ever since I was 5 years old, I knew what I wanted to be and I worked hard over the years to keep my body nice and fit.” Rianne – “I am thankful to God and for his forgiveness He always gives

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to me. I’m not a perfect woman but because of Him and His glory, my sins can be washed away and I can be renewed.” Jamie – “I have reviewed my year and there is something that I have to write about without a shadow of a doubt. This has been somewhat of a trying year for me. I have had experiences that were difficult to deal with, however, through my faith, I have begun to move past them. I thank God for giving me the gift of a supportive family and friends. Without them, I would not have survived. God has been with me throughout this ordeal and I am eternally grateful for that as well. At the time of this ordeal, I was reading a book by Max Lucado. In it, he states that you are brought to things through things so that you can help others. I am grateful that God has placed certain people in my life to help me through rough seasons. I am also thankful that when I come out of things God has given me more strength.” Jennifer – “Recently, someone asked me what I’m thankful for. Of course, all of my possessions came to mind. My car, my house, my new cell phone, and those gorgeous black shoes I have in my closet. I quickly realized these material

things do not matter. Then, I took a second and dug deeper. I asked myself, “What matters the most to me?” The answer was clear and swift; my Heavenly Father and my three precious children. The Lord is the reason for my being. He gave me my greatest blessings; my sweet babies. If it weren’t for Him, my life wouldn’t be worth living. I am thankful for my Lord.” Rosey – “I’ve always believed in God and following His word. However, it wasn’t until recently that I learned the importance of tithing and devoting your whole heart to God. I was carrying around something really heavy within me that I needed to forgive. Little did I know it was blocking me from a closer relationship with God? One Sunday in church, our Pastor taught a sermon about forgiveness and how it affects our relationship directly, not only with those we need to forgive, but the Lord. I searched deep in my heart and found the forgiveness I needed to give. The following Sunday, our Pastor taught about the importance of tithing. From then, I started tithing properly and sometimes over if we were able to. Over the past few weeks, since doing this, my faith, and my relationship with God, my relationship with my husband and

Thankfulness

my children, our finances, business opportunities – everything has improved greatly. And, by reading this, you are probably coming to the conclusion that it is all of those blessings that I am most thankful for; but it’s not. I am grateful for them, yes! But, without a doubt in my mind, heart or being, I know that I am blessed because of God’s love for me. I am thankful for God’s LOVE and DEVOTION to me. I am thankful for His forgiveness.”

step-mom, and she chose to marry him, and together they raised me. I am thankful that my parents raised me in a small town in Southwest Virginia, on a farm, in a remodeled barn. We raised tobacco, which I got to put my own field out when I was sixteen and with the money from it I bought my first car! (I am thankful for the memory of my dad teaching me how to drive his Ford truck. He is such a patient man!) We had several farm animals also, one of which was a cow named Tya – “I’m thankful for my husband. Cocoa that my brother bought and He loves me and supports me. He’s brought for my dad in the back a hard-working man and I’d be lost of his car all the way from New without him.” Jersey! I appreciate my parents for teaching me to have good, strong Maria – “I am thankful for my work ethics; they have both always beautiful daughter, she is such a joy, worked so hard for our family. Even and I am blessed to be here mother” now, they are both retired and still working part time, I am so proud Maria – “I am thankful to God for they get there traveling time in giving me my spiritual gifts. Most of though! I am thankful for all the all I’m thankful for his love” good and bad times of my younger years, together they have made me Stephanie – “I am so thankful that into the woman I am today. God knew me before I was born and I am thankful for all my sisters and that He took the time to form me in brothers, blood or not, individually my mother’s womb. I am thankful they have all taught me so much. I for the mom who gave birth to me wasn’t raised in church so when my and for the mom who raised me. I oldest sister Donna invited me to a am very thankful that my dad loved revival (I was in my early twenties) me enough to fight for me and win I hesitantly accepted the invitation. custody when I was three years During the service I asked my old. He then chose to marry my sister if she had told the preacher

about me because everything he was preaching on hit me right in the heart and seemed to be about me! Naturally she had not talked to him; I was simply at the right place at the right time. I didn’t go to the altar that night, instead I ran out the front doors of the church! (She did, thankfully come out there and encouraged me to come back in). When I finally decided to go to church on a Sunday morning, I could not stop crying, it felt like the entire church was going to cave in on my head. That Sunday I ran to the altar and accepted Jesus into my heart as my Lord and Savior! I am so thankful to God for giving me my beautiful daughter Emily! She is the apple of my eye and throughout the past twelve years as much as I hope I have taught her, she has taught me. I understand God’s unconditional love for me as His daughter, because I have nothing but pure, sweet, unconditional love for my daughter. Knowing that I would give my life for her gives me a deeper walk with Jesus because He gave His life for all of us and for that I am forever grateful.”

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We will be:

“SILENT NO Featuring 6 Brave Women’s Amazing Stories of

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MORE!â&#x20AC;? Life, Trauma, Victimization, Triumph, & Victory

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Feature Story No. 1: Bianca Thomas

Silent No More!

By: Bianca Thomas

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

~ Jeremiah 31:3

’m thankful that God blessed me to live a perfect life, in a beautiful home, (which I still remember the layout until this day) with

my mom and dad. I loved my dad DEEPLY. I was the son he never had. I enjoyed going to amusement parks and rabbit hunting with him. Oh how I treasured our time greatly; he was my world, the one who promised to LOVE me Forever and Always. My mother and father divorced when I was very young. I believed that is when my dreams where shattered and my life seemed to spiral out of control, taking on a life of its own. But my life was perfect, filled with going to clubs, drinking, taking and selling drugs, hanging out with my homies, my gang banging family yet, for some reason ,I always felt alone, unloved, misunderstood, abandoned and rejected. I remember being held hostage and locked in a room overnight by my photography instructor. It’s my fault; it always is. I should have rode the bus home so I AM to blame. I remember daily trying to fit in with the crowd at school, wanting to be accepted, liked and loved. My being accepted and FEELING loved came with a price, the price of denying myself, but that

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Feature Story No. 1: Bianca Thomas

was OK, because I learned early on, as long as I can make someone else happy, I’m happy. I had even made that my badge of honor. I took pride in myself for being able to become what ever I needed to be, as long as THEY were happy, but did I really feel proud? What about me? Shut up foolish young lady. Silence those crazy thoughts. This is as good as it gets; you must keep your desires silent for the happiness of others. But, I was silent for TOO long, so long that I became numb to who I, Bianca, really was. Exactly WHO AM I?

This is very uncomfortable. A 14 year old CAN NEVER give a 29 year old man consensual sex. Yet, I hear the voices in my head saying, “You made the bed, now be still, and lay in it. It’s your fault anyway, so shut up and stop complaining.” But is it really so bad to WANT TO BE LOVED?

Was it my fault, as a 5 year old little girl, that two teenagers would convince me that it was OK for me to lie down on the floor and lift up my little dress while they instruct their 5 year old little brother on how to put his private part in me? Naw, It couldn’t be wrong. They are older than me. Surely, they know best.

I became a great lier and a little people pleaser, in hopes of receiving the desires of my heart, just to be loved. Was LOVE having sex for gifts, favors or attention? Was LOVE what happens to a 10 year old only while they are asleep?

Uncomfortable, yet unsure, I silently lay still, while someone dear and very close fondle me and masturbate? This must be love. It sure felt like it. So, many nights I look forward to it, quickly learning to be still, silently pretending to be asleep. As I grew older, Yes, I finally understood what love was, denying YOURSELF for the gratification of others. Boy, did I learn how to Master that very well. Getting attention from men, meant I was accepted, I was beautiful, I was in control, and I WAS LOVED. Because of my attitude and my behavior, I was often called FAST. I say,”No I am not.” My heart screams, can’t you see, can’t you hear ME? I SAID I WANTED TO FEEL LOVED! They could not hear me and I was misunderstood by my family, verbally rejected, which meant they were rejecting me. They surely don’t love me. I’ll make them pay for rejecting me. I’ll hang myself and time it just right. I waited patiently in my bedroom until I heard my mother’s footsteps, As she walked down the hall towards the bathroom, she looked at me. Anxiously, I JUMPED,leaping from the chair that I had so strategically placed under the cabinet door where the string was attached and tied around my neck.. Oh Oh, something is wrong! My suicidal attempt did not work as planned. I guess the YARN Issue 2 | NOVEMBER 2013 | 19

Feature Story No. 1: Bianca Thomas was too long which caused it to stretch. I began to cough, I was choking as the YARN clung tightly to my neck as the cabinet door continued to swing open.The plans of a 13 year old has failed. I thought I had everything figured out, Yep, I timed it perfect alright, perfect enough for my mom to see me struggle and to beat my tail until I cried out how sorry I was and that I didn’t really want to die. This validated my immature thoughts that God must have made a mistake and put me in the wrong family, Oh,

This time, their voices will be silenced. I plotted out my painless death; no one would really miss me. My five year old son can live with my mom and I can take some pills and just fall asleep. The pain of never being loved is just too painful to bear another day.

how I wished my plan succeeded.

GOD! Yes MY GOD, the one I gave my life to when I was 9 years old and struggled to know and serve in my teenage years. I knew He saw me because He called out MY name. WOW, what a comforting voice, a voice filled with such love and compassion. “Bianca, Seek me, give ME your heart to love and I promise you, no one will be able to hurt YOUR HEART AGAIN!”

In the years to come, silently, I experienced more pain, physical abuse, sexual abuse, while seeking love. I became pregnant at the age of 16, with the thoughts of, “If no one else love me, my baby will”. Seeking and convinced I finally found LOVE with promises of marriage, I once again become pregnant at 23. On my journey of seeking love, I found myself single, about to give birth to another child, alone, feeling betrayed by someone’s love who I trusted. He was the only man in my life, besides my daddy, who promised to always love me and be by my side forever. I was so tired of hurting, being rejected and denying myself of my true feelings, who ever I was. Silently, I became depressed and very suicidal. Daily, I remained in bed after sending my 5 year old to school, not eating, being mentally tormented, thinking about how my life should have or could have been if someone would have heard me, seen my brokenness and would have just loved me. 20 | weSPARKLE magazine

FINALLY, someone saw my broken heart and the ocean of tears that I cried. My voice was heard. He saw me, Bianca, and came into my room, catching me before I JUMPED. IT WAS

YES, God saw ME. HIS time was perfect. Just as I had convinced myself again that the bombarding, painful, torturous thoughts of loneliness, MUST BE SILENCED, He stepped into my bedroom. As a great surgeon, He reached down into my broken, shattered heart and replaced it with a new one,That day, after years of being overwhelmed with thoughts of rejections, abandonment, and the thought of never experiencing love or being loved was too hard to bear He filled it with life, joy, peace, a heart made whole knowing that, it WAS ALWAYS LOVED.

Feature Story No. 1: Bianca Thomas

I gave birth to my second child, ( My Glow worm), He rarely cried and His toothless smile could light up a room. He was a very silly and a happy baby who kept a smile on my face, God filled my home with joy and laughter with A little light, My glow worm, just what I needed.

PLEASE KNOW, that God sees us, hears our cry, and catches every one of our tears. HE IS a GOD who is, touched with our every hurt, and feels our pains. Know that he is always thinking of us and HIS LOVE is always present,even when we are not aware of HIM.

I wish I had more time to share about my encounters with this LOVING GOD, but my encounters have been many so I will share them with you another time.

No longer feeling alone or rejected, I am honored that God chose me to wear my past as a badge, knowing that my suffering, the badge of my pain, has given so many others, hope of freedom and a greater life . I am so thankful to God for giving me my Life, YES I DO LIVE A PERFECT LIFE, the one HE PERFECTLY designed JUST FOR ME. NOW I, BIANCA MICHELLE ( CARTER) THOMAS, KNOW HIM by having the privilege of experiencing HIS LOVE, IN THE MIDST OF MY SUFFERING, Which qualifies ME to REVEAL HIM to OTHERS ! OH I LOVE MY LIFE, I WILL BE SILENT NO MORE!

I wish I could proudly tell you, from then on all was well, but it wasn’t; that is another encounter. Now, I can share with assurance 5 things I know; in fact I am totally and unequivocally convinced WITHOUT an inkling or a shadow of a doubt. 1. I AM LOVED 2. GOD IS SO REAL (I am not praying to nothing). 3. I AM BEAUTIFUL 4. GOD HAS PREDESTINED ME FOR GREATNESS. 5. SATAN IS ALSO REAL, (He, I have also encountered and know so well).

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Feature Story No. 2: Kim “Michelle” Harris

I AM A SURVIVOR!: The Invisible Girl

By: Kim “Michelle” Harris

orn in West Virginia, I remember happily going to church every Sunday with my

Grandma and Grandpa, but that joy was soon taken away as soon after my fathered passed away when I was only ten. The most difficult time of my life was between the ages of 12 thru 18 where I experienced continual sexual, mental and physical abuse. I became invisible. I lived with my mom until the age of 15, when I was removed from my home by WV social services, because of physical and sexual abuse. I thought my life would become better, but in less than 3 years, I was moved around to 20 different homes. I was in lock up twice and also committed to the hospital twice. In junior high, I was constantly bullied, which added to my pain. I became suicidal, bulimic as well as a cutter. Many times I was left in the dark and abused while living in the placement homes. When I told my case worker, they did not believe me, to them I was just a problem child, a lier, my words did not matter, my pain was not noticed, I was invisible.

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Feature Story No. 2: Kim “Michelle” Harris

Finally at the age of 18 no longer a ward of the state I was free. I became pregnant and married my baby’s daddy, 5 months later from this marriage, I gave birth to two more children.

Throughout our marriage he constantly beat me, once again I was invisible. One time when I took my children to the doctor, the adult protective services was called because I was covered in bruises. I finally left him and got a divorce to become visible, which was short lived. I started

dating a guy who was also very abusive, but when I became pregnant we married and the abuse stopped. After one year of marriage, I found out that he was seeing another women, so I left him and we divorced.

would never change only get worse, until I changed. I believe I am on the right path now, free from abuse and determined to live for God. I am healthy, and blessed with 4 wonderful children. I still have difficult days as a single mom, but I AM A SURVIVOR, my life IS important to my children and to others, I DESERVE TO LIVE, NO LONGER INVISIBLE!

TIPS:

PARENTS, KNOW YOUR CHILDREN’S WHEREABOUTS, FRIENDS AND NORMAL BEHAVIOR, LISTEN TO THEM SO THEY ARE COMFORTABLE TALKING TO YOU!

I decided to move to Virginia with a guy I was dating, to start a new life with my children. The relationship did not work out, so we went our own separate ways, yet we stayed in contacted and remained friends even to this day.

Struggling to become visible, I repeatedly became invisible. Enduring two more but extremely abusive relationships, which almost cost me my life.

One night while I was asleep I had a dream, which I believe was sent by God, I obeyed the dream, following every detail and escaped. I had to realize that my abusive relationships

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Feature Story No. 3: Tara (Triggs) Sample

I Refuse To Be A Victim Any Longer

By: Tara (Triggs) Sample 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

Nick Sr. & I

y name is Tara (Triggs) Sample. I was born June 10, 1977 in Hyattsville Maryland. I was born into a home of an alcoholic father and a codependent mother. I grew up seeing my father be very verbally abusive to my mother. As I got older I was unsupervised most of the time and easily became a victim. My older brother friends molested me on numerous occasions. Most of them were only 11 and 12, so I began to think the way to receive love was by letting these boys do what they wanted to do to my body. I was teased a lot throughout my childhood, which added more cracks to my already broken heart. I acted out and was constantly in trouble. Little did anyone around me know that it was my way of crying out for help.

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Feature Story No. 3: Tara (Triggs) Sample

As time passed and I got older but, I continued to be a victim, I was sexually abused on so many occasions I cannot even begin to count.

As a teenager I began to rebel against my parents. I drank and smoked weed. I sneaked out of my house at night. When I was 15, I began running away from home. I was promiscuous because I didn’t know any different. No one taught me to respect my body or to love myself. Many of nights I ran away, I slept outside. Because of my deep desire to be loved, I was an easy target, which led me to continuously being used and abused by men, still being a victim. Between the ages of 15 and 17, I was in and out of juvenile detention and raped on three separate occasions. The last time I was raped was the worst. I was beaten with a bottle before he raped me.

Convinced by a Richmond police officer to press charges, I did and he served 5 years, but because I was a run away, I too was put in Juvenile detention. At 17, I met an older guy who was 27. I did not know that he was a drug addict. He introduced me to drugs that I never knew existed. He was leading me further down a path of destruction.

Shortly after I turned 18, I got arrest along with him. I served 2 years in prison with 10 years hanging over my head.

Upon being released, I once again became friends with some people who were also doing drugs. Cocaine to be exact, I tried it and continued to do it for a few months. I Thank GOD I did not become addicted to it. Then, I met a man who was selling drugs and was heavily involved with an organized crime ring. We moved in together and soon we were married. Soon he became very jealous, verbally abusive and continuously beat me almost every day. He made me believe that I was worth nothing. I had No self worth and to ME, I BECAME NUMB! I was on probation but I violated it, not wanting to return to prison, I went on the run and my then husband, took me to Manhattan. After a while, the money began to run out so, our last night before there we slept in central park. At one point when we left New York, he padlocked me into a room all day while he went out and sold drugs. The last beating I received from him, I laid on the floor as he stood over me with his 6’3 frame and kicked me with his size 13 boots in my ribs and head. I couldn’t take it any longer. I had enough. Knowing that I too would be arrested, the first chance I got, I ran to the store and called the police, turned myself in and pressed charges against him. Issue 2 | NOVEMBER 2013 | 25

Feature Story No. 3: Tara (Triggs) Sample I was sent to boot camp for 5 months. In there, they break you down before they build you up. I was so defiant. I was already crushed and as broken as broken would ever get. Inside, they were very patient with me and did all they could to help me and began to see a change in me during this process. After boot camp I broke the law AGAIN! This time, I was facing 8 felonies and several misdemeanors, afraid, I ran again. First I ran to a friend in Harlem, then to Brooklyn. Then, I met a girl who convinced me the only way to survive was to start stripping.The first night I stripped I cried. To me, it was the hardest and most degrading thing I had ever done. Shortly after that, I met a man who became my “boyfriend” and he accompanied me when I stripped but, he was very jealous. Soon the Brooklyn fugitive squad became aware I was in NY, so the man I was dating drove me to Cleveland Ohio and rented a room for me. He traveled back and forth between NY and Ohio. I also stripped at clubs there. In Cleveland I met another guy and soon after moved in with him. A Virginia preacher who was supposed to be at pastors convention in Ohio ended up in my strip club and recognized me as a missing juvenile from his area was arrested and spent 10 days in Cleveland City Lock up before being flown back to Virginia for prosecution. During my time waiting to be tried, I remembered 26 | weSPARKLE magazine

the God of my youth, the God my mom talked about and I gave it all to HIM. I had to then accept the fact that MY decisions put me where I was. I was facing 10 years which was left from my previous crimes and time for my current crime. When I finally went to court, The Judge who was well known for giving a lot of time reduced ALL my crimes and gave me time served (8 months). NO PROBATION. By GOD’S GRACE and MERCY, I was given ANOTHER CHANCE at life. I moved back to Cleveland for 3 years with the man I had met there. I went to school for Graphic Design and Medical Assisting. Over time he began to show his jealous side. We began to fight a lot.Once he blacked out after drinking too much and beat me. He fractured my nose. My entire face was black and blue. I moved out for 2 weeks but came back. One day, I ended up given him 26 stitches in his lip, by the time, I had learned to fight back. I was so unhappy and tired of being a victim, I slit my wrist and was rushed to the hospital. At one point, I remember sitting crying out to God to please help me leave the situation that I was in. I asked him to give me a family and a man who could love me. I was tired and It became too much for me to deal with all the fighting. I suspected he was cheating and I knew I had to leave. That day I vowed to myself that I would

Feature Story No. 3: Tara (Triggs) Sample

never date or remain in a relationship with a jealous man.

I returned home to my parents in Virginia. Shortly after coming home, my parents split up. Even though I was 26 it was very hard to deal with their divorce. I had my own apartment and had a job working at a doctor’s office. I lost my job and began selling crack to pay my bills. I stopped selling drugs but I got involved with a man who sold and did drugs.He was not jealous

so I thought he was the one, except there was one problem he was drug addict and dealer and it was likely he’d end up in jail. He did up going to jail and that closed that chapter of my life. Eventually, a man I knew from years before came back into my life, we began to date. He was everything I always wanted in a man to be, I become pregnant. and not long after my son was born, but because My father was terminally ill, we married in my father’s hospital room.

relationship with God and by surrounding myself with Godly people. I had many good influences in my life growing up, little things they said and did stuck with me. On several occasions I could have lost my life but GOD had a greater purpose for me. “ It was up to me to decide to change and It was also up to me to REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM any longer”. I must add a special thanks to Bianca Thomas, Pastor Jean Trainer and the many others who loved me and a difference in my life. I know God heard a mother’s prayers or I wouldn’t be here to tell you my story. Tara Sample, is a wife and a proud mother of four children as well as the owner of Sign and Art and the founder of, Thisability.org for more information about how you may support her organization or know more about her sign co., you can contact her at 804-926-8101.

Two weeks after he gave his blessing on my marriage, my father passed away. Nine months later my little girl arrived. Nine years and two more children later we are happily married with four children. I took over my father’s Sign Company when he passed away. After having my third child who has Mosaic Down Syndrome and Mosaic Trisomy 14 I started a Nonprofit Organization for children with special Needs. Thisability. org. I have poured much of my time and heart into this organization. I am still working on my

Nicholas 8, Faith 7, Elijah 3, & Aaron 6 months

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Feature Story No. 4: Shirley P. Richardson

My Past Will Not Determine My Future By: Shirley P. Richardson

‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Jeremiah 33:3

eing a fourteen year old pregnant and scared is not a good feeling. Not pregnant because I was promiscuous, but because I was raped by an eighteen year old boy that I thought really cared about me. I was devastated that day when he punched me in my face, knocking me out cold and raped me in the hallway of the apartment building where I lived in Waterbury, Connecticut. I awaken to find my underwear down around my ankles. While sitting on my butt in a dark hallway all alone; I thought this did not happen to me. I didn’t tell anyone. I was a virgin, I had no idea what really happened to me. One month goes by, no menstrual period, two months goes by, oh my God, and now I am pregnant. What am I going to do? My parents are going to kill me. My father is going to kill him. What am I going to do? I know, I will act like this never happened. Soon, I start to have morning sickness. I tried to ignore the fact that I was pregnant, but in doing so, did not making this situation go away.

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Feature Story No. 4: Shirley P. Richardson

I know I will get my sister to help me abort it. We tried everything, except pull it out with a hanger.

a normal teenager, and have fun, do teenager stuff. But, no, I can’t because I am about to be a mother, not by choice but by rape.

I took pills, starved myself for days, put a tube inside me hoping that I would abort this baby that I did not want or asked for. After having hiding morning sickness for months, hiding my body from mother, scared to death that someone would find out, someone did, and told my mother. I was seven months pregnant by

Often, I would throw myself downstairs drink all kind of crap trying to make this baby come out. Finally, I decided to fake my labor pains so I could get this baby out and finally over with. Now, a scared fifteen year old, my mother drops me off by myself at the entrance of the hospital and said “call me after the baby is born.” My

then, I had no prenatal care. I was so scared my father would kill this boy that raped me and end up in prison.

mother was not cruel or mean, she had birth fourteen babies herself so it was not a big deal to her. I was now fifteen years old and once again, all alone.

What a life, I was only fourteen years old, still a baby myself. When my mother finally got me to admit I was pregnant, I lied about how it happened and who the father was. My father and older brothers would kill this boy if they knew what really happened. How does a fourteen year old child, handle keeping a secret like this from her parents? How does a fourteen year old bear this burden without having somebody to help her through this rape and pregnancy? What am I going to do? I was the apple of my father’s eye until he found out that his favorite daughter was pregnant. When my dad did find out, he pulled out his shotgun and threatened to kill ME before he kicked me out of the house. I wanted this baby out of me. I just want to be

I stayed in the hospital for six days waiting for this baby to be born. Finally they induced my labor and the party started. The nurses were so mean to me. They treated me like I was trash and didn’t care about me. I was just another young black girl who was getting what she deserves. They left me by myself in the operating room with my legs up in stirrups, waiting for this baby to act like he wanted to come into the world. I tried to cry, but had no tears because I was so dehydrated, frightened out of my mind, I am only fifteen, all alone and I don’t know what is going to happen next. All I know is that, I just want this baby out of me. Even when I tried to starve him out, he would not go away.

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Feature Story No. 4: Shirley P. Richardson I only weight 145 lbs., nine months pregnant, about to give birth and all alone. Finally, in comes a nurse to tell me they are going to induce my labor because the baby is very large. They are going to give me a spinal. What the heck is a spinal? They are going to stick a needle in my back that will numb me from waist down, but if I blinked too hard, I would be paralyzed. Now I am really terrified, I am going to be paralyzed. What kind of life is this for a fifteen year old child? While waiting all alone in the operating room for them to do this terrible thing to me, I saw a man walking across the operating room with a push broom. I called him over to help me because my legs and hips were hurting me so bad and I could not stand it.

room, it is sterile, and there was no man in here with a broom.” That night, I gave birth to a beautiful son. Not until about three years ago did I realize that He, the man with the broom was an angel, sent by God to comfort me, a scared fifteen year old teenage girl. Serving as Detective Richardson, for twentynine years as a law enforcement officer on the Richmond Police Department, I have worked sexual assaults cases for five years. I have investigated sexual assault of all ages and gender, and because of my past experience, I have been able to build relationships with children and adult victims.

I asked him to please help me. The man came over to me and let me take my legs down one at a time and put them on his shoulders. What a relief, oh my God, I cannot describe how wonderful it felt to rest my legs just for one minute.

Today, I minister to women in prison that have been raped. My past tragic has turned out to be a great blessing. I guess I can even say that “My Past Determined My future”, But in a much greater way, far beyond what I could ever imagine!

Then He said,” I have to go now.” I beg him not to leave me, but he put my legs back into the stirrups and said, “you are going to be alright.” Then he disappeared.

Shirley Perry-Richardson, is a wife, mother and grandmother, she is also the Executive Director & Visionary of Building the Fire Within (BTFW) . She is a graduated of Virginia Union University and is pursuing a Master’s of Divinity Degree from the Richmond Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia.

I did not see him leave; he just was not there anymore. When the nurse came in, I asked her “where is the man with the broom?” she snapped at me in a very nasty voice, “this is an operation 30 | weSPARKLE magazine

Feature Story No. 4: Shirley P. Richardson

As a Detective, she became the founder of Cops for Christ, a ministry fellowship for law enforcement officers. She served three years on the Governor’s Advisory Board for Child Abuse and Neglect. Shirley was involved in a number of youth programs such of D.A.R.E., P.U.L.S.A.R, Y.A.D.A.P.P. and the Upward Bound Program. These programs inspired her to become a foster parent for three children. Detective Richardson served on the Y.M.C.A. board of Directors for three years. She also mentored middle school females in the “Mirror Me” program sponsored by the Richmond Police Department.

Mrs. Richardson is an ordained Minister. She served on the James Cleveland Gospel Ministry Workshop of America Evangelist Board. Since 1995, Shirley has served as a Spiritual Director in the Kairos Prison Ministry. She is also a volunteer for the Faith Based Christian Re-entry program at V.C.C.W.

Her passion as a Minister is for prison ministry, with a sincere determination to empower the formerly incarcerated for successful re-entry into society. Minister Richardson is presently serving as one of the associate Ministers at Second Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. She continues to work diligently to open transitional houses for non-violent ex-offender females. For more information about, BTFW or you would like Shirley shared her story with your organization, please call, 804-218-5756 or email her at btfw2transition@aol.com SUBJECT: STORY.

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Feature Story No. 5: Candice Nicholas

The Best Is Yet To Come By: Candice Nicholas

“’If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

~ Mark 19:23

hen I often tell people of my testimony and how the Lord bought me out of oppression, depression and low self esteem, they seem to shake their head in utter disbelief. It is very unreal to me as well but with Jesus, He makes all things possible and easy to overcome. Growing up in a home where we were on government assistance and section 8 housing made it hard for me to embrace my future so I became a victim of my environment. I thought I would never get out of poverty, but God knew my destiny. My mother was a stone cold alcoholic who didn’t realize how great of an effect that would have on her children. At the time, it seemed innocent and harmless but the devil had a plan to try and destroy me. By the age of 13, I had been molested 4 times by different men, who did things unimaginable to me. I had 3 abortions, attempting suicide 3 times, feeling that, I really had no reason to live. Having such a crushed spirit, I thought that no one in the world would ever love me. At a young age, I was introduced to marijuana, cocaine, heroin as well as crack. My life was out of

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Feature Story No. 5: Candice Nicholas

control, spiraling down hill towards destruction. I lost everything I had, I mean everything!

through the ministry God has allowed me to implement.

By the age of 17, I was pregnant again, but I was tired of getting abortions so this time, I decided that I would keep this one. It was a boy. Five months later I discovered that my son had Spina Bifida, a disability that could leave my son physically paralyzed and mentally retarded. The Doctors recommend that I abort him but something on the inside of me wouldn’t let me.

God continues to blessed me continuously as I continuously seek to obey Him. I am married to a wonderful man , Elder Wesley Nicholas Jr. a man who loves God and I passionately, I have been blessed with 4 sons, 2 daughters, and 5 grandchildren.

After delivering my son, I had to watch him go through numerous surgeries so I became fearful, heavily depressed and doubting that I could be a good mother to him.

and beauty/barber school, overseeing 30 Stylist and Students, called, Another Level Salon and Advanced Academy Located at 102 N. Sycamore St. in Petersburg, Virginia. 23803

When he was 5 years old , I had an encounter that forced me to change my life forever. I walked in a room where I saw him playing imitating my actions, he was acting as if sugar was cocaine and made lines to give me to snort. I prayed that day for Jesus to come into my life and to change me and that He did!

I have learned that if you yield your life to Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to navigate you into your new life in Him, you cannot and will not fail! Put God first in all you do and He will make every crooked path straight in your life.

That was 19 years ago, today I am a Licensed minister and Ordained Elder at “Mt. Gilead Full Gospel Intl Ministries”, where Bishop Daniel and Co Pastor Elena Robertson are my Spiritual leaders. Because of my past, I have been blessed to lead others to Christ through the testimony God has given me. Many souls have been saved and delivered

Currently, we own a Full Service Salon

Through Christ I am on the road of my destiny and the can assure you that the best is yet to come! For more information about, Another Level Salon and Advanced Academy, feel free to call, (804-733-3337) or If you would like for Minister, Nicholas to share her testimony with your organization, please email her at gaylecnic@ aol.com. Subject line, TESTIMONY. “Jesus, He makes all things possible and easy to overcome.” Issue 2 | NOVEMBER 2013 | 33

Feature Story No. 6: Regina Smith

Loving the Skin I’m In

By: Regina Smith

y name is Regina Smith and I live in Hopewell, Virginia.

I wish I could say that my story is simple, but it is not. I was born in Waverly Virginia to a teenage mother, who died in a car accident when I was 2 years old. After, I was adopted by family friends, who taught me morals, values and all about God. I struggled throughout my teen years, trying to figure out who I was and trying to fit in. When I graduated from Sussex Central high school it was me against the world; or so I thought. I became involved with peers that had no values that mattered to them. I found myself still trying to fit in and began making poor choices. I later found out my foster parents passed. I felt so alone in this big world, so I turned to someone whom I thought cared about me. I didn’t know that this person would try to strip me of everything I was taught. It was four years of hell on earth for me. I was abused mentally and physically the whole relationship. There were many days that thought my life would end early. I wouldn’t have ever thought I would experience anything like that, but I did. But, I know someone had to have been praying for me! It was then that I realized all I could do was count on God. I would worry about everything and pray about everything. After almost dying, I finally 34 | weSPARKLE magazine

Feature Story No. 6: Regina Smith

escaped that relationship but I did not give myself time to heal before I jumped into another relationship. I thought that this time would be different; only to become face to face with homelessness. Again, there was God.

Finally I married and was living in one room with my three children and a heroin addict. One day, I became so overwhelmed, that I threw my hands up and said; “God I can not take it anymore!” From that moment on, my life began

capture my memories as I enjoy every moment of my life. Today, I am in a healthy relationship! I am very excited about my future and looking forward to traveling and meeting new people. Yes Finally, I’M ON MY WAY, “LOVING THE SKIN I’M IN” I have learned that as long as I keep my faith in God, there is ALWAYS HOPE!

to change. My husband was arrested and two weeks later, God opened a door that no man could shut, by sending positive people into my life. These people gave me the opportunity to move my children into a three bedroom house, where I have lived for the past 5 years. I have learned that as long as I keep my faith in God, there is ALWAYS HOPE! Nowadays, I look to God to control every aspect of my life and without fail, He continues to open many doors. Today, I am confident in who I am. I have become a vocalist in my community and now, others look to ME for support and advice. I’ve also started my own Social Club called Purple Passion as well as my own jewelry business called Remarkable Jewels, where I am an independent jewelry seller. I am also the personal assistant for the legendary female rapper “Sparky D”. I am starting a new career as a Plus Size model for Plus 4 and I am very eager and dedicated to making this career in modeling a success. I love taking pictures, which allows me the ability to

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Forgiveness: Stephanie Anderson

The Power of FORGIVENESS By:Stephanie Anderson

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. 36 | weSPARKLE magazine

Matthew 12-15

Forgiveness: Stephanie Anderson

hile reading Tim Clinton’s book called, Caring for People God’s Way, I came across these questions: Did you know that pain and suffering is universal for all people: Christians and Non-Christians? Did you know there are two different types of forgiveness: Decisional and Emotional? Did you know that all people can forgive others for the wrongs done to them and it is a matter of the heart and mind? After reading these questions I had some questions of my own, and not only did I have questions, I realized I had answers. Deep in my mind and in the mind of others, there has always been the question, “How can we forgive the person who has committed such horrible crimes against our family, friends, self, or others in the community?” These crimes could include theft, rape, physical, verbal, or sexual abuse, kidnapping, murder; and the person who committed the crime could possibly be your-self, a close, trusted family member or friend, or a complete total stranger. There is a heartfelt choice to be made by each person; forgiveness can happen in an instance or it can take longer, using baby steps, support, and perhaps therapy to get to the point of total completion in the individual’s healing and forgiveness process. Either way, forgiveness is a healthy, growing, gracious, merciful, releasing act, and stepping stone for the forgiver. According to the dictionary, the meaning of the word forgive is “to accept an apology, to get rid of a grudge, to cease to feel angry”. Now is that apology and heartfelt sorry always given to the individual that has been hurt? The answer is NO! Years and years could go by, and the person who has hurt another individual has possibly gone on with their life, asked God for forgiveness, and does not even think about the pain that they caused. The responsibility of forgiving falls back on the shoulders of the one who has been hurt, and no matter how hard forgiving someone seems to

be, keep in mind when making the choice to forgive or not to forgive, that un-forgiveness causes cold, bitter, resentful, angry, hostile emotions in the heart of the un-forgiver. Forgiveness gives peace, compassion, possible reconciliation, and a deeper understanding of self, and others who have been through similar situations. It can even give you a deeper understanding for the person who you are forgiving. The difference people can make in their own lives and the lives of others by choosing to forgive is simply outstanding! I have gone through some situations in my own life where I have had to offer both decisional and emotional forgiveness to others. When I first started writing this article I had to put it down for a while because of the emotions I was feeling. I was even unsure if I had really forgiven this person! As I worked through the emotions with prayer, heartfelt tears, talking with a friend, and knowing there are so many worse situations that go on presently or have gone on in the past of other people’s lives, and above all thankfulness to God for His love, power, and forgiveness, I realized that forgiveness has been a journey and my journey hasn’t stopped. I was a victim of sexual abuse; knowing and hearing many stories of worse sexual abuse then mine and the little bit I did go through, only makes my heart pour out with heartfelt compassion, sympathy, and love for the babies, children, teenagers, women, men, elderly, and anyone who has ever been sexually abused or in that case abused in any possible way. Before I share my story, I want to share the meaning and the different kinds of sexual abuse that take place to give each of you a better awareness and familiarity to the behaviors that are included with the abuse and to give awareness that it comes in many different shapes and forms. According to Tim Clinton’s book, Caring for People God’s Way, the meaning of sexual abuse is: “any sexual activity, verbal, visual, or physical, engaged in without consent, which may be

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Forgiveness: Stephanie Anderson emotionally or physically harmful and which exploits a person in order to meet another person’s sexual or emotional needs. The person does not consent if he or she cannot reasonably choose to consent or refuse because of age, circumstances, level of understanding and dependency or relationship to the offender. Verbal sexual abuse includes sexual threats, innuendoes, comments about a person’s body, harassment, sexual and pornographic jokes, and course jesting. Visual sexual abuse includes looking at pornographic material, genitals, or any sexual activity, and showing pornography in public. Physical sexual abuse can range from intercourse with seeming “consent,” to intercourse by force, and attempted intercourse, mostly touching of breasts and genitals”. Any and all of the above are behaviors of sexual abuse. And now, here is my own story of forgiveness. Have you ever gone some place just to get away from another place? There was a home I would go to when I was younger, almost on a weekly basis; you know the saying, “my home away from home”? After spending the night this one particular time, I got back to my house to unpack my sleepover bag only to find a pornography magazine stuffed down in the middle of my dirty clothes in the bag. Not only was there a magazine, but there was a polaroid picture of a naked man with the head cut out of the picture so I couldn’t tell who it was, taped to the front of the magazine. Well, it wasn’t tape that was used to stick the picture to the magazine, it was actually a Band-Aid. It is amazing, the smallest detail that our mind remembers when our heart knows something is wrong! I was twelve when it started, and felt that if I told anyone it could or would cause problems for my family. I felt I didn’t have a choice but to keep going over because if I didn’t go, everyone would wonder why I wasn’t going over to visit, and who wants to cause problems with their family? So I went back the next week for another sleepover, to my home away from home. This time he made, and when I say made, I mean he yelled, screamed, and argued until the other person in the 38 | weSPARKLE magazine

household gave in and went out in the worst storm ever to buy him cigarettes. I was lying on the floor watching T.V. and the next thing I knew, he was on top of me. I thought he was joking and trying to wrestle with me because we always watched wrestling together and also for the fact that I trusted him. He started saying these horrible things and at that moment, I knew he wasn’t joking! The only thing I could say was get off of me and stop! I heard the back door open, and thankfully, I was saved! I asked myself, “Okay so now what? Who can I talk to? Who can I trust? Who is going to believe me? What if this causes problems with our family, I don’t want to hurt anyone!” Do any of these questions sound familiar? On another occasion, during a sleepover, I went to get my toothbrush out of my duffle bag and there he was in the living room, sitting in a chair, naked, watching a pornography movie. Scared, I turned around quickly to go back to bed as I heard him say, “Do you want some”? He was asking me, at the time, a twelve year old innocent girl that question! His wife, a very dear, close person to me, was in the other room sleeping. Again, when I went back home he had put another pornographic magazine in my bag. I didn’t go back for a while after that and I just knew everyone was starting to wonder why. I was going away that summer (Hawaii of all places, and I was very excited!) so I decided to go visit and spend the night. In the back of my mind I was hoping and praying nothing would happen. Sure enough, very early the next morning I was lying in bed and he came in the room to lie down beside me. I was on my side, lying toward the wall, and I did not move a muscle. I thought if I didn’t move he would think I was asleep. I knew he was naked, and I was scared! He started rubbing my side saying, “I just thought you would like to do something before you left, because I know you will come back different”. I did not move, not an inkling of a muscle, not a flinch, I lay there as still as I possibly could pretending to be asleep. Praying he would go away! I remember being so thankful when it was time for him to get up and go to

Forgiveness: Stephanie Anderson work, and so thankful he did not touch me in any other way! I remember the feeling I had over knowing his wife was in the other room sleeping and there he was, an adult man touching and wanting to have sex with me, an innocent child. I was so disgusted and angry because I trusted him as a role model. I had to get up and go to school with that on my mind. That was the last time I visited for a long, long while! Now that I am an adult and reflecting on this time in my life, it makes me wonder how many children are getting up and going to school that have just been sexually abused the night before. My heart aches for the innocence that has been or is being taken away from these dear children.

if it was never dealt with in an appropriate manner. I did go back and confront him when I was in my early twenties. I had blocked most of the abuse from my mind and after I got saved I wanted to hear him say he was sorry. I wanted to know why he done the things he done, and although I knew it could have been so much worse, and I was very thankful that it was not, he still violated, hurt, and a took part of my innocence and trust from me. I never got that apology even when I looked him eye to eye and asked him, “why?” He answered me with, “For the sex”. I said back to him, “So if I hadn’t of told, you would have raped me?” His exact words were “Yes, probably so.”

At the end of summer vacation, after returning home from my trip, something triggered me to tell an adult what he had been doing, but it didn’t stop him! He came to my high school and followed the school bus all the way to my house. As I got off the bus and he pulled into the driveway, with his window rolled down, I could tell he had been drinking. He said some very inappropriate things to me, he also asked me to get in the vehicle with him, and said that he would leave his wife. I walked home and this time, I didn’t wait to tell anyone. Thankfully, the person I told did not hesitate to call him that night to tell him to never show himself “On our part of the country again”. (There were a few more choice words he said but I cannot use them). I had to be in this person’s midst for the next several years. There were times I would be around him and he would make sexual gestures with his tongue, even with his wife in the next room! I learned to let it go and what choice did I have but to forgive him because I had to be around him? Although it was never and is never talked about in my family, I can now say that I don’t like what he has done to me because it was sexual abuse! I don’t like what he has done to the other dear person in my life either. I have compassion, sympathy, and forgiveness for him though. He was sexually abused as a child and if that is all you knew in your childhood years it is possible that it will carry over in some form, shape, or fashion of abusing others

As much as I am thankful, I believe he was thankful that I told on him for what he was doing. I am so thankful that we have a forgiving God and that I can sit here and say I have used decisional and emotional forgiveness to forgive this person. Even at this very moment, God has me on a forgiveness journey and my prayer is that you hop aboard and take this journey with me because we cannot do it by ourselves.

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Inspirational Writing: Denise P. Ingram

The Church Gathering Place By Denise P. Ingram

t’s midnight on a wintry night, the snow is falling, and you can hear the sound of the snow coming down. Everything is covered in white, like a blanket; it’s beautiful. I see across the ground crystals sprinkling in the night air. The trees are covered in white. It’s a quiet sound almost, like someone out there wants to say something to you. The night air is so cold; it goes down deep to the bone. It’s hard to stay warm. All the ladies in the church are busy cooking. There are thanksgiving pies, cakes, and cookies. Oh my, those homemade pumpkin pies with a little extra cinnamon in them, well you should try one! There is nothing better in this world than adding a little more cinnamon in those pies. Gail was always busy baking pies, cakes, and you name it to take to Rebecca Hebner’s Old Country Store for them to sell. This was the first time Rev. Tom Williams and his wife, Gail, decided to have Thanksgiving dinner at the church for everyone to come and have a good time. Gail’s best friend, Rebecca, lives nearby. Her husband, David, works very hard. He is a shoe smith and owns an old country store where the two of them work together. They know just about everyone in that small town of Winchester. Up in those mountains, it wasn’t a thing for them to have a foot of snow overnight. That night it snowed hard, and came down fast, freezing the ground. Rev. Tom Williams decided to go to the church that evening after midnight. He knew Gail would be up because

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she was busy cooking. He walked in the church, went down the front, and said a prayer for everyone to be able to attend Thanksgiving Day for dinner. He noticed there were wet foot prints on the floor. He walked around the whole church but didn’t see anyone. He said to himself, “Who on earth could this be?” Rev. Tom went back to the house Gail looked up at him and said, “Tom, you look like you have seen a ghost. Are you okay, honey?” He said, “yes” with a smile. You see Rev. Tom didn’t want Gail to be afraid of anything, she would worry too much. Rev. Tom prayed and pleaded the blood of Jesus over them and the people in Winchester that night. He thought, “How on earth could anyone stay out there in the cold snowy night?” Gail put the turkey on a cast iron rack to cook for the rest of the night. Rev. Tom told Gail to go to bed and get some rest; he would watch everything for a while. Gail went to bed and read her Bible and fell asleep in bed. She prayed for the Lord to cover them with His blood. She knew by the look in Tom’s eyes that something was wrong. The next morning, Gail went to the kitchen and Rev. Tom had fallen to sleep in the rocking chair with a blanket over him. Gail got breakfast started, and woke up Rev. Tom to give him a cup of hot coffee. The turkey still had about four more hours before it would be done. Rev. Tom Williams told Gail he was going to the church to build a fire in the fire place so the church would be

nice and warm. As he walked to the church, Rev. Tom thanked the Lord that the snow was not too deep so everyone could come and gather at the church for dinner. He said a prayer again thanking God for keeping them safe. As Rev. Tom was entering the church, he saw that there were wet foot prints again, but this time there were more. As he walked closer to the dining area, he noticed someone had started a fire already. He wondered if it could have been David; he was so good about helping everyone if he could. You see, the church was in great need of a Holy Ghost revival. People needed the Lord. Some needed to renew their faith again. It seemed to Rev. Tom Williams that people where dried up in their spirit. He had been praying for a good revival for almost a year. The church was in need of change. People really needed to get ahold of God. They were not committed to the Lord or on fire for the Lord. You see, Rev. Tom didn’t even tell his wife about praying for revival to break out in Winchester. He was a man of great faith and old fashioned in what he believed in. One thing he knew, God was getting ready for something great! Rebecca is a prayer warrior and strong in her faith. She prayed with many a person in Winchester. At times she would give coffee or flour to people who couldn’t pay for them, but David never knew. Sometimes, you know, men have a problem giving. It never stopped Rebecca. Winchester Church had a lot of good people. There were those who couldn’t pay by cash, but gave in other ways.

Inspirational Writing: Denise P. Ingram They gave in eggs, or chickens, or apples… you name it! Everyone was always trying their best to help each other. Rebecca had long, thick, black, beautiful hair. She had the sweetest spirit about her and the sweetest smile about her; she was a true giver. Her husband David, at times, could get very stubborn and upset at people who wouldn’t pay their bills on time. On the other hand, Rebecca didn’t worry about it; she knew that by giving the Lord would take care of them. All the ladies had been cooking a Thanksgiving meal to take to church on Thanksgiving Day. Everyone was excited about going to church, eating with friends and having good old fellowship with one another. The snow didn’t seem to stop anyone; the kids could hardly wait to get to church. It was very cold and the wind was blowing some; the snow was still on the tree limbs, it was almost frozen a little. Everyone was on the way to the church. David and Rebecca decided they would try to get to the church first to light all the oil lamps on the tables and to see what needed to be done. Rebecca was walking up the steps and saw foot prints. She said, “Boy there is a lot of little foot prints!” As she and David entered the church they could smell smoke coming from the fireplace. They had their hands full of food. When they walked in, there was a family setting all around the fireplace, a sleep. David said under his breath, “free loaders.” Rebecca said, “David you should be ashamed of yourself.” John Stewart stood up and spoke up, “Are we in the way? My family and I didn’t

mean to impose. We were trying to get warm. You see, our wagon is stuck in the snow not far from here.”

supply all our needs Lord. You, Lord have been good to the people here in Winchester.”

Then, Rev. Tom Williams and Gail came in with their arms full. The preacher looked over to David and thanked him for making a nice fire for everyone. David said, “I can’t take the credit for this.” Then, Rev Tom Williams turned around after putting the food on the table. He went to say something to this nice family. John Stewart said, “We are leaving now. We didn’t mean to cause any problems. I made the fire so our family could get warm. I am so sorry.”

The whole time Rev. Tom was praying, little Abigail Grace was crying. Dorothy was trying her best to stop her, but she had Colic. “Dear Lord, we thank you for each family today. We have so much to be thankful for, in Christ’s name. Amen.”

Gail spoke up with Rebecca at the same time, “You all are not going anywhere! You will have Thanksgiving dinner with us.” “No,” John said in a lowered voice. His oldest son Mark spoke up “Father, we are all hungry and need something hot to drink. Please father!” All ten of the children spoke up, “Please!” His wife Dorothy was holding their youngest daughter, Abigail Grace, who was three months old. She cried all the time. Dorothy spoke up, “John Stewart, listen to me. The children and I are hungry and cold. If you want to go back to the wagon you go right ahead, but we are staying!” Rev. Tom came over and said, “John its okay, son.” Gail, told everyone to please find a seat at the tables and let’s get ready to eat. Gail said, “We want to welcome our new visitors, the Stewart family.” Gail asked her husband, Rev. Tom, to come and pray over the food. “Lord, I ask you right now in the name of Jesus, to bless the hands that cooked this good meal. Lord, bless each family that is here today on this special Thanksgiving Day, a day of thanking you for all we have, and how you

The kids and all the families were eating and having a good old time. The Stewart family kids were eating like there is no tomorrow, but it didn’t matter to anyone. They were thankful that the family didn’t freeze last night. Dorothy and John’s two twins, Lydia and Ruth, were going to town on Rebecca’s homemade sugar cookies. Dorothy said, “I think you two have had enough.” They replied, “But mom, please just one more, only one.” Abigail Grace continued to cry. Rev. Tom Williams walked up to Dorothy and picked up little Abby. He laid hands on her, and anointed the top of her head. She immediately stopped crying, and from that day she never had Colic again. Dorothy said, “Thank you” and thanked the Lord. John wasn’t saved. He couldn’t believe it! The preacher welcomed all the families by name. “Welcome the Benson family, the Cromer’s, the Monroe’s the Hebner family, and our new family the Stewarts.” He asked all the kids to come up around the fireplace and tell their names and age. Mark said, “I am the oldest. I am 14.” Daniel said, “12”. Samuel said, “10”. Katherine said, “9”. Dylan said, “I’m 7”. Charles said, “8 and a half ”. Lydia and Ruth said, “Wee is 5!”. Then there was Thomas who said, “2 and a half ”.

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Inspirational Writing: Denise P. Ingram He asked John to come up front with his pale, thin wife Dorothy. “Please said, “We are from South Carolina. We lost our cotton farm and we had no help, so we headed north to look for work. This is a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner; it’s been the best thanksgiving any of us have ever have had.” Rev .Tom Williams, asked everyone to have a seat. He said a little prayer and then they all sang the song called, “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come’’. “Come, ye thankful people come; Raise the song of harvest home, All is safely gathered in Ere the winter storms begin. God, our Maker, doth provide for our wants to be supplied. Come to God’s own temple, come; Raise the song of harvest home.’’ After they sang, everyone was quiet. All the kids had their eyes on the preacher. Little Abigail Grace was quiet and asleep for a change. John Stewart couldn’t believe how God had truly healed Abigail Grace. Rev. Tom Williams started speaking on the season of Thanksgiving and we should thank God for. He said, “The answer is anything and everything. We should be thankful for our family, friends, and the food we eat, the roof over our head. We are all sinners, and have fallen many times and have disappointed him. But, we must pick ourselves up, and ask God to forgive us of our sins. We need to thank the Lord for dying on the cross for all of us our sins. We have so much to be thankful for. God died so you would have eternal life with him. If you don’t know Christ as your personal savior, come up front right now for me to pray for you. This will

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be the best thing you could ever do.” Rev. Tom was really fired up, and excited about people coming to know Christ. David Hebner came first to renew his faith. He asked the Lord to soften his hard heart, and to have more love for people. Rebecca had tears rolling down her face. Then, John Stewart came up front with tears rolling down his face. He asked the Lord to forgive him for all of his sins, and for being so hard on the kids. He even asked the Lord, “Oh God please forgive me for the way I have treated

my loving wife, Dorothy.” Rev. Tom laid hands on John. The next thing you know, John was laying on the floor, from being slain in the spirit. Gail started running around the tables, praising God, crying, and thanking the Lord for his presence there in that old country church where they gathered. People were getting saved, praising God. The fire fell that Thanksgiving day. “Oh my God,” Rev. Tom said. “God is truly in this place. People were crying, clapping their hands, and holding up their hands in the air. Rev.

Tom thanked the Lord, “The outbreak of the Holy Spirit revival has started! People, praise his Holy name! Praise him, people, like never before. We have a Holy Ghost thanksgiving that you will never forget.” The people were hugging and telling each other they loved them. John told his wife he was so sorry. You could see Jesus on his face. David Hebner came to John and told him he was sorry for calling him a free loader. John said, “No problem.” David told him he would give him some work to do. People came to the Stewart family and offered them blankets, food, and a place to stay. God showed up that Thanksgiving Day. People were saved, and the fire fell on the people. Revival truly started that day in Winchester. If Rev. Tom Williams had not prayed for a great revival, it would have been your normal Thanksgiving Day in Winchester. People from all over heard that the fire fell, and people started coming to the church Gathering Place. To this day, we should always give thanks to the Lord, not just on Thanksgiving but every day of the year. Most of all, God, we thank you for your son Jesus Christ, so we can have eternal life one day with Him. Be thankful for what you have, and help those who have less. Ask someone to your home for dinner, on Thanksgiving Day, watch and see how God will bless you. Trust me!

Matters of Business

BUSINESS 101 with Maria Chevelle

Business Tip “It is important to be organized, when starting your small business.”

Step Action Plan to Make It Happen:

1. Make sure you plan out your day. 2. Always keep two organizers. “Your phone or your Ipad are great ways to keep up with your daily schedule. Also take a few seconds to write it down; just in case your technical device isn’t working properly. old fashion pen and paper never fails!” In October, Maria Chevelle with Chevelle & Co. hosted a Business Boot Camp. We asked an attendee how they were affected and if the coaching offered was something they would recommend to someone else. Here’s what they had to say!:

“ I had a great time at Business Boot Camp with Maria Chevelle! It was a session packed with information from how to determine if my small business idea was a hobby or a functioning business. We reviewed over business development, branding, marketing, and most importantly, how to legalize your business. I am so much more confident in the process of becoming a business owner. 2014 will be an awesome year of development. I have also purchased Ms. Chevelle’s coaching CD. I would recommend this coaching boot camp to anyone who is serious about starting their business.” Florence Allen Williamsburg, VA.” Issue 2 | NOVEMBER 2013 | 43

Organization

Cleaning Out Your Closets By: Rosey Slocum Who wants to stand at a closet door every morning, fighting to find the right outfits for not one, not two, not three, but FOUR? Not this momma! Here’s what has worked for us and I feel, if done properly, it will work for you too:

rust me, I know how hard it is to throw out clothing that we absolutely LOVE but just don’t (or in my case, can’t) wear any longer. Sometimes it’s the emotional attachment to it, the style of it, we just HAVE to have it; whatever the case may be. Hebrews 13:16 states “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Ask yourself, “What have I donated lately and am I holding on to items that could be of use to someone in need?” In a house with a husband who collects band t-shirts, a 2 year old daughter and 1 year old son who are constantly outgrowing clothes and my personal addiction to sweaters, our closets fill up quickly and if it weren’t for donating our unused items, we would be considered borderline hoarders! Something that has helped my husband and I purge out unnecessary items tremendously is the “out of sight, out of mind” strategy. As our family grew, we quickly learned the importance of keeping things organized; especially our closets.

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1. Start with your own closet. Pull out every piece of clothing, accessories, jackets or shoes that you have not worn in more than one month. 2. Make your way through every closet in your family’s home, making sure to weed out any items that may have been stacked up top or on the floor of your closets. If you’re like me and have random items in your closets as well, let’s go ahead and pull those items out also! 3. Push all of the piles of clothing, shoes, accessories and jackets together. Go through each piece carefully and decide if you want to donate the item or if it has holes in it or isn’t salvageable, go ahead and put it in a trash pile. 4. Fold all of your donation items up and pack them into bags, tubs or boxes and label each according to what they are as well as sizes. Doing this helps the donation center tremendously and cuts down on the time they have to spend sorting.

5. Throw out all of your non-salvageable items. If the item is cotton material, you can cut the piece into rags to use for cleaning. Roll them tightly together and secure with a rubber band. This cuts down on the space you use storing them. 6. If you pulled out extra items go through these items and decide what you wish to do with them. If they’re keepsakes, family heirlooms, photo albums or memorabilia that you just cannot get rid of, store them back into your closet neatly. The rest, you can donate or throw out if they’re not usable. 7. Go back to your closet and organize it as you would get dressed. For example, if you put your pants on before your shirt, you would put all of your skirts, pants, shorts and bottom pieces in the closet to the left. Then your shirts, then your dresses/full body suits, and lastly, your jackets. Line your shoes at the bottom of the closet in the order you use them the most. Do the same for each of your family members. Congratulations! You’ve completed a huge task!! Next month, we tackle the bathroom. We’ll go over when to get rid of medications, makeup, skin care items and more! For a list of donation centers, please see our resources page.

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Holiday Meal Budgeting

Planning Your Holiday

hanksgiving is this month and we all know what that means! Holiday meals! Everyone looks forward to that, right? This month, we will show you how to prepare your holiday meal on a budget. Step One: Plan ahead! Plan your holiday meal out completely, even down to the beverages that will be sold. You’ll need to factor in how many people you will feed. Step Two: Now that you have your meal all planned out, think back to last year. How much food was left over? What were the dishes that were left? For example, if you had mounds of potato salad, greens and stuffing left over last year, then this year consider cutting these dishes completely out of your menu or simply cut your recipe in half. This way, nothing goes to waste. Step Three: Plan out how you are going to pay for everything. Start with the first Sunday of this month and purchase a local paper or you can even go online to

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www.coupons.com to search out your favorite brands. Most grocery stores will allow you to double both a store coupon and a manufacturer’s coupon on your purchase. However, where many people make their mistake with couponing is they don’t wait. The trick to couponing is to wait for

the item you wish to buy to go on sale. This is where you will save BIG. Once the item goes on sale, use both your store coupon and your manufacturer’s coupon and you will walk away with a great deal! Step Four: Price shop!! Most stores now offer what they refer to as “Price Matching”. What this means if Store A is having a sale on potatoes for $2.00 and Store B has them priced at $3.50, you can take Store A’s

Holiday Meal Budgeting

Meal On A Budget $$$ sales paper into Store B and Store B will match the price of Store A and you will walk away saving $1.50 on your potatoes. Step Five: Let’s shop! Now we are equipped. We’ve watched the sales papers for the items we want to buy to go on sale, we have clipped both our store coupons and our manufacturer’s coupons… now what? If you have picked a store that offers a membership discount card, make sure to bring it with you! Some stores such as Food Lion, has a kiosk as soon as you walk in the door. The first thing to do when you go in is to swipe your card and pick up the offers. Sometimes, you will find free items or sales that may match some of the

coupons you already have. Step Six: Do NOT stray! I know how it goes, we get into the store and we see something we just have to have! Nope! Stick to your plan. You’ve worked hard all month to plan for the perfect holiday meal on a budget, so let’s follow through! Make sure you only pick up items that are on your shopping and meal list. Step Seven: Be patient and be persistent. Sometimes, coupons fail to register so remember to be friendly and courteous as it’s not the fault of your cashier. Simply ask them to try the coupon again and if this does not work, request a manager to key it in. It’s also a good idea to check on the store’s coupon policy to the store you plan on

shopping at prior to going shopping. You can check their policy by visiting their website or by calling and speaking with a store Supervisor or Manager. Some stores have different policies and procedures than others and it’s always a good idea to be prepared and to know what to expect. So there you have it! If you follow these tips, you can save big on your holiday meal and remember to always give back. If you have the extra food, you could put it into a storage container and offer it to someone less fortunate. Our family has made it a tradition to take two plates of food out on Thanksgiving night and we offer it to the first two homeless people we come across. Seeing the smile on their face is what makes it worth it and trust me, you’ll walk away feeling so blessed and even more thankful for what God has blessed you with!

By: Rosey Slocum

Issue 2 | NOVEMBER 2013 | 47

....................... ................... ... ....................... ....................... ....................... o ....................... ....................... ....................... ....................... ....................... D ....................... .... .................. ....................... ....................... ....................... ....................... ....................... ....................... ....................... ....................... ....................... ....................... ....................... ....................... ....................... ....................... Community Outreach: Awareness

DID Y Kn O w? u

By: Tara Sample

id you know there is more than 1 type of Down Syndrome?

Most of the time, Down Syndrome isn’t inherited? It’s caused by a change in cell division during the development of the egg, sperm or embryo.

TRANSLOCATION: The only form that can be passed from parent to child. Only 4% of individuals diagnosed have translocation, and about half of them inherit it from one of their parents. TRISOMY 21: More than 90 % of individuals diagnosed have trisomy 21. An individual with trisomy 21 has 3 copies of chromosome 21, instead of the usual 2 copies, in all of his or her cells.

MOSAIC DOWN SYNDROME: In this rare form children have some cells with an extra copy of chromosome 21. MDS can be found in 1-2% of individuals and is where some of the cells in the body are normal and other cells have trisomy 21. The average age for individuals to be diagnosed with MDS is 1-4 years of age. The most common reason for this late diagnosis is the lack of knowledge in the medical field on this rare form. However, many individuals can go undiagnosed up into adulthood and there are still thousands who never receive a diagnosis. Many children with MDS have milder genetic markers (Physical features) and can even look like a “typical” child. 48 | weSPARKLE magazine

In the US, 92% of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome in utero are aborted before they get a chance to take a breath? Usually this occurs due to lack of education and because of misinformation about Down Syndrome. “The most important fact to know about Individuals with Down Syndrome is that they are more Alike than Different.”

To find out more about Down Syndrome to help create more awareness please visit… http://thisability.org/ or http://www.ndss.org/

“My son has MOSAIC DOWN SYNDROME & MOSAIC TRISOMY 14 My face may be different, But my feelings the same I laugh & cry & take pride in my gains I’m one of the children special & few That came here to live & love the same as you.” ~ Tara (Triggs) Sample, This Ability

........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ Community Outreach: Awareness

Elijah

“Gummy Bear”

“This is my son, Elijah. He is 3 and is an important part of our family. We wouldn’t even consider changing him.”

“After being in the hospital for a year, having 7 surgeries, and many medical issues, my baby is a blessing because he is always happy, smiling, and ready to learn. I love my Gummy Bear.”

~Tara (Triggs) Sample

~“Nyri C. New Jersey

Amber

Emmanuel

“Amber, who will be 21 in November, is a ray of sunshine that can bring a smile to your face with her outgoing personality. She is a thoughtful and caring individual who definitely loves to make others happy. Music, singing, and playing the piano are a few of her favorite hobbies. She is full of life laughter and love and is a blessing to all who know and love her.”

“This little guys name is Emmanuel “Manny” Williams and he is 4 years old with Down Syndrome. Manny was diagnosed with Leukemia when he was 1 1/2 years old. He spent 7 months in the hospital receiving chemo and is now 19 months in remission. Manny is a joy to his family and lights up a room wherever he goes. He enjoys, dancing, playing with his siblings, going to the park, watching cartoons and visiting his grandparents. Manny is currently in school and loves riding the school bus. He is special in more ways then you can imagine.” ~Demetris W.,Texas

~Heather H. California

Issue 2 | NOVEMBER 2013 | 49

Valuable Resources THE JAMES HOUSE Helping women, men & children in the Virginia Tri-Cities area and surrounding counties affected by sexual & domestic violence & stalking for 24 years. • Phone: 804.458.2704 or 804.732.1711 • Online: www.thejameshouse.org • Email: outreach@thejameshouse.org All services are fully accredited and free of charge. HAVE A HEART FOUNDATION We are an organization that started in 2007. We collect/take in new or gently used items as well as provide them for those in need. To set up a pick up or drop off time, please call Jacqueline at the number below or visit us on Facebook.

VISION OF ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY Vision of Rose Photography is part of the iPictureHope campaign which offers free glamour portrait sessions to women who are currently fighting or have beat their battle with cancer. • Phone: 804.490.3213 • Online: www.visionofrosephotography.com • Facebook: www.facebook.com/vorphoto

FEEDMORE CENTRAL VIRGINIA FeedMore’s Central Virginia Food Bank brings hunger relief to 31 counties and five cities in our region by acquiring needed foods and distributing these items to neighbors in need.

GATHERING GROUNDS MINISTRY | FIRST FRUITS – FOOD PANTRY Gathering Grounds Ministry provides food for the local community. The guidelines are as follows: In order to be served each week, recipients must arrive prior to 7:00pm. If you arrive late, you may not be served that week. Please present your identification when you arrive. Prescreened individuals from CHASM and Social Services are served first out of our weekly food storehouse. Please be aware your names will not be called in the order in which you arrived. Community recipients are served on a first come first serve basis after our pre-screened recipients. You may not be served that week once our weekly allotment of food runs out. Volunteers are always available to deliver your food to your car. You may receive food once a month for SIX months only.

• Phone: 804.521.2500 • Online: https://feedmore.org/food-bank/

• Contact Person: Carol Ann • Phone: 804.356.4196

• Phone: 804.631.1010 • Online: www.haveaheart2007.com • Facebook: facebook.com/groups/ haveaheartfoundation

THE YWCA OF RICHMOND, VA The YWCA is a membership organization that supports the development of women and families of diverse backgrounds and faiths and strives toward attainment of a common vision-peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people. • Phone: 804.643.6761 • Address: 6 N. Fifth Street, Richmond, VA, 23219 50 | weSPARKLE magazine

Sponsors & Supporters PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO STOP AND CHECK OUT OUR PATRONS!

We would like to Send a Special Thank You to All of Our Sponsors & Supporters!

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To show your additional support and place an ad in weSPARKLE, please email: womenablazers@hotmail.com

Askew Art & Graphic Design

Issue 2 | NOVEMBER 2013 | 51

W.A.I.M. Prayer Line “Our dear beloved and gracious God, we come to you as humbly as we know how. Lord, we are at YOUR mercy and I pray that we never forget that. I pray that as we walk through this life, Lord, that we remember that YOU are the great healer, the great redeemer, the master surgeon, the teacher, the leader, the omnipotent, THE GREAT I AM. God, I pray that our readers are touched by you, Lord; that they are healed by you God. That no matter what situation they are in or may have left, may they know that you are by their side, Dear God. For those who are dealing with or have dealt with abuse; whether it’s domestic, from a parent, from a friend, from a loved one, in the form of sexual, emotional or physical; I pray that you heal their hurt, God and that you assure them that you ARE there for them, Lord. May your presence be known in their hearts and in their lives. May you come in to them God and just the same as a ship in the dark is guided by a distant light, Lord I pray that YOU are their light. I pray that you fill them with your love, Lord God, and shower them with light so that they may never walk in the dark again, Dear God. I pray that the armies who rise against them shall fail Lord God because THEY are your SOLDIERS and DAILY, together, we all fight for YOU. May they fight to keep you in their hearts and in their lives, Dear God because YOU ARE WORTH FIGHTING FOR. May they never forget that, Lord. May they never forget that you sent your son to die on the cross for them so that He may carry their sins and that His blood shall wash them clean of any impurities and imperfections. May they never forget that He defeated death by rising again on the third day and just the same as He defeated that temple, He WILL defeat ANYTHING that is in their lives. When they look in the mirror, Dear God, and those tears and pouring from their eyes, may they remember that it is you who is there wiping away every single one. You have cleansed them of their past, Lord God. You have given them a brand new beginning and I pray to you, Dear God, that they share that new beginning with others. Amen.” ~ Rosey Slocum 52 | weSPARKLE magazine

W.A.I.M. Prayer Line

Prayer Requests “Please pray for a dear client of mine who has a nephew whom is suffering from seizures. Doctors are unable to find a source for them and healing is needed for this child, as he hasn’t reached the age of one yet. His life is just beginning. Please pray for peace to come to his family. Please pray for God to guide the doctors in their search for what is causing his illness and please pray that that illness is cured.” “Prayers for my cousin who has lost her way and is still searching and fighting the great fight would be greatly appreciated. She has taken back to cutting on herself and God I know she needs some deep healing in her heart and on her soul.” “Please pray for me as I go into the prison in November to speak with the women who are serving time inside. I will be locked in the prison over the weekend in hopes that we can reach women and change lives. Please say a prayer that we reach these women and that they see the love the God has for them. Pray that they see they are not alone.”

And, as always, please continue to pray for our ministry, Women Ablaze International Ministries as well as our magazine, weSPARKLE Magazine. Daily, we are encountered with women who are hurting and who are in need of a love that only our Heavenly Father could show them! Please continue to pray for those who are featured in our magazine, for all of our readers, for our staff members as well as the founder and visionary, Mrs. Bianca Thomas. If you have a prayer request or if you would like to submit a prayer to us to be featured in our magazine, you can send your information to womenablazers@ hotmail.com. Thank you!

Issue 2 | NOVEMBER 2013 | 53

Prayer of Salvation

Scripture Reading and Prayer:

OD HAS GREAT PLANS FOR YOU! 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

Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to son ship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Present Suffering and Future Glory I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who 18

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hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

More Than Conquerors What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: 31

“For your sake we face death all day long;we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else 37

Prayer of Salvation in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:12-39

If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; John 14:13-16 13

If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. 1 John 2:4 Remember, no matter what you are going though right now or experienced in the past, God has made a promise to those who love Him. “All things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. As you have read the stories between these pages, you have witness the love and power of God manifested in the midst of our pain and suffering. If you could personally talk to each one of us, I am sure they would agree with that, “If It wasn’t for the love and faithfulness of God, we would not be here today, filled with His joy and peace. The same joy and peace that God has given us, He desires to give to YOU! All you have to do is surrender your hurt,pain & you life plans to HIM! YES, HE WANTS IT All!

declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son, JESUS, to shed His blood and die for all my sins. Jesus, I ask you to forgive me of my sins. Deliver me from life that keeps me separated from you. Come into my heart and help me live to glorify God. I receive you now as my Lord and Savior, turning my will, my life completely over to you. AMEN According to the Bible, if you said that prayer and meant it with your heart, God has forgiven you and He has a brand new life just waiting for you. I hope to hear from you soon! In His Love, Bianca Before you go, please visit the YouTube link below. It will truly bless you. Thank You.: Forever JONES He Wants It All (Live) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEcqTu52gZ 4&amp%3blist=ALNb4maWNoT6QLS2Dy0OfG13LQPYhk4f4

Romans 8: But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you Issue 2 | NOVEMBER 2013 | 55