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edut i targ
/ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/
A STRONG FEELING OF APPRECIATION TO SOMEONE OR SOMETHING FOR WHAT A PERSON HAS DONE TO HELP YOU
RELEASE YOUR GRATITUDE. THERE'S MORE TO YOU.
THEMORNINGRALLY
FEMALE ENTREPRENURS AND CAREER PROFESSIONALS
THIS JUNE
THE MORNING
RALLY PRESENTED BY MICHELLE WASHINGTON
A GATHERING OF FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS AND CAREER PROFESSIONALS FOR ONE
COMMON PURPOSE, TO RALLY TOGETHER AS ONE, OFFER STRATEGIES IN BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP, SUPPORT TO COMPLETE WHAT YOU STARTED, AND INSPIRATION TO BE A WOMAN OF MORE.
I HAVE INVITED WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP TO HELP ME RALLY WOMEN TOGETHER. JOIN THIS POWERFUL NETWORK OF WOMEN.
THURSDAYS AT 7AM EST
SIGNUP AT WWW.THEMORNINGRALLY.COM
THE MORNING RALLEY
POWERED BY
WOMEN OF
MORE MICHELLE WASHINGTON
M A G A Z I N E
FOUNDER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF |
SENIOR EDITOR ILLUSTRATOR
CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
DR. CHERITA WEATHERSPOON MICHELLE WASHINGTON DARIETH CHISOLM SHAUNDYLL ROGERS VANESSA LINDLEY RAINBOW HUFF INDIANA TUGGLE CARLEEN ELISA TANERRA WILLIS TYNETTA BROWN DR. TORRI LOVE GRIFFIN DR. MALAIKA TURNER P'ALEX DILLON SHARON WILSON KAMELA SMITH DANITA MOSELY GIGI GREENE GINA EDWARDS MAKIAL PHILIPS DR. SHERYL HICKMAN
EDITORIAL OFFICE P.O. BOX 261 | BEAR, DE 19701 MORE@WOMENOFMOREMAGAZINE.COM Women of MORE Magazine is published by WOMEN OF MORE CREATIVE GROUP www.womenofmore.com
@womenmoremag
WOMENOFMOREMAGAZINE
CONTENTS WE'RE TAKING BACK EVERYTHING THAT BELONGS TO US
4
NEW TO WOMEN OF MORE
THE MORNING RALLY! Bring together female entrepreneurs and career professionals.
NEW CONTENT WRITERS We're committed to creating space for women to use their gifts to inform, inspire and to impact the world. If you would like to join the team email us: content@womenofmoremagazine.com
7 HAVE YOU EVER?
17
MICHELLE WASHINGTON OUR COVERGIRL
9 HEATHER MARIE...
The journey of her life brought her to her place of purpose.
ART WE LOVE 15
ARTIST WE LOVE Creativity comes in many forms and colors. We're excited about this new column highlighting women in the arts.
Kamela Smith, gives Women of MORE a challenge in her first article: Sis, hear me when I say being a helping hand, ear, or voice in a time of need is all good. But also hear me when I say don’t leave that situation owning someone else’s stuff–the piled-on heaviness from you taking on crosses that aren’t yours to bear.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING @WOMENOFMOREMAG WWW.WOMENOFMORE.COM INFO@WOMENOFMOREMAGAZINE.COM
HAVE YOU EVER? KAMELA SMITH
Have you ever given so much of yourself then turned around full of someone else? I have! Have you given so much of yourself and carried the weight of others so much that you are heavy with stuff that never belonged to you? Yeah, me too. Have you held back your thoughts and adjusted your posture on matters just so others can stay comfortable? Yep, me too. Have you thought “I will be ok,” sacrificing your feelings to protect the feelings of others? Dang, me too! Have you swallowed words that needed to be said to protect the wrong in others so much that you become constipated? I know, me too! Have you prayed for others neglecting your own petitions and declarations? I know, I know! If you respond yes to any of these questions you are not alone. I promise you. It took me some time to realize that what I thought was balance was actually an unhealthy compromise. It was even more evident when I was in need of what I gave, and it was not where I left it or with whom I left it. The ROI on the time and the words were not what I expected… you know, the way I gave it. Yet, I was left with “stuff” that didn’t belong to me. Sis, hear me when I say being a helping hand, ear, or voice in a time of need is all good. But also hear me when I say don’t leave that situation owning someone else’s stuff–the piled-on heaviness from you taking on crosses that aren’t yours to bear.
We are not good friends or partners if we carry the weight of others while they walk away light as a feather. We are effective friends when we give tools and strategies to help people navigate their journey to “feel better” Avenue. This is the year of, "THE TAKE BACK." Be intentional not only about taking things back but gracefully dropping those things that don’t belong to you. As you settle into this life built on intention, go get your character qualities back! Get them all back, they make YOU!
THE TAKE BACK | WOMEN OF MORE 2021
DIRECTOR.
THE REGINA KING INFLUENCE. CREATOR. UNAPOLOGETIC. WOMAN OF MORE.
SHE IS KING PICTURE COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM
HEATHER MARIE... @HEATHER.MARIE.DESIGNS
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LESSON IN BUSINESS AND WHY?
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO INSPIRE WOMEN IN THEIR PERSONAL LIFE AND
My greatest lesson in business is literally to walk by faith and
BUSINESS?
not by sight. When I embraced God cleaning me up internally,
I frequently reflect on your actions, become
I learned my purpose in 2012 which is creativity and in 2013 I
self-aware of who you are, strengthen your
started my business, Heather Marie Designs. This became my
relationship with the Creator (the Divine
outlet for tranquility, peace, and joy. I quit corporate America
One), and take responsibility for your
in 2019, not knowing how I would pay for living expenses and
actions. If necessary, apologize and rectify
business expenses, but I knew I had passed a major spiritual,
your actions immediately. I'm not so holy
professional and personal test. God has been blowing my
and above reproach. Nor am I so heavenly
mind ever since. There are days where I am uncertain about
bound that I am no earthly good. I desire to
business, designs, projects, relationships, finances, and
experience heaven on earth and it begins
choices I have made, but God either personally shows me,
with me.
whispers gently to me, or uses individuals to confirm/affirm me to walk by faith or asks are you using your faith? I work
TO WOMEN IN BUSINESS:
from home and I am by myself 90% of the time, so my FAITH in
I consistently ask God for guidance, focus,
God are ongoing lessons that help me to be great and deliver
discipline, strength and send me the RIGHT
excellence.
people to help me grow in business. God
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU WERE A WOMAN OF MORE?
I realized I was a Woman of More during the summer of 2008. It was an extremely hot (over 100 degrees) summer day in Texas. I was walking by myself and realized I had been carrying 2 years of personal and negative spiritual baggage (guilt, shame, embarrassment, hate, envy, jealousy, and any other spirit that was not of God) which was very heavy on me. God finally had my undivided attention and said, “Do you want this (my current environment/situation) or do you want what I have for you?” I knew then, my current situation was the worst it could ever be, and God had more for me. I had to surrender doing things my way. Now, it didn’t happen overnight! Growth is ongoing.
created us for relationships and in relationships, the blessings come from people. Always remember, there is something that's within you that someone else NEEDS. Never forget it.
I DARE YOU TO STEP INTO YOUR POWER DR. CHERITA WEATHERSPOON
Sis, I’m calling you out!
It’s time to stop playing small, believing small, and living small. You are so much more than the box you’ve put yourself in. That’s why I’m daring you right now. Daring you to step into your power. To prepare you to do this, let me clarify what your power is. Your power is the real you, who you were created to be, the work you were called to do, and the knowledge, skills, and experiences you have to create the impact that only you can have in this world. Now, let me tell you why you have to step into it if it is already a part of who you are. If you are like most women, you’ve dedicated your life to pushing everyone and everything else forward while your dreams and goals have gone unfulfilled. You are probably the idea-generator, the problem-solver, the relationship-fixer, the liaison, the one who made sure that it got done and done well… even if that meant doing it yourself. The problem is that in all of this doing, you’ve likely lost sight of just how powerful you are. Ask me how I know.
Before I stepped into my power, I was losing myself. I was losing sight of who I was. I had lost sight of how brilliant I was and accepted being underpaid and undervalued at work. I forgot about the lessons I wanted to teach my children about going after their dreams and never giving up on what’s important to them. In fact, I was teaching them the opposite. I was teaching my daughter that it was okay to sacrifice everything she wanted for the people she loved and I was teaching my sons that they should expect their wives to sacrifice who they are and what they desire so their husbands can shine. The truth is that we all deserve what we desire and that we will all at times have to sacrifice for someone else to move forward, but it is not okay for me or for you, just because we’re women, just because we’re mothers, just because we’re wives to always be the one to sacrifice and never be the one to move forward in the things our soul longs for. The other truth is that when we are filled up, we are able to show up more authentically in other areas of our lives. We are able to be present and fully engaged. That makes us even more powerful. It makes us better. So, if you’re anything like me and you know there is more to you and more for you, and that you have not owned your power, the first thing I want you to do is to realize that you are worthy of experiencing and having everything that is inside your head and heart. Once you recognize that you are worthy and deserve what you desire, you are empowered to go after it.
THE TAKE BACK | WOMEN OF MORE 2021
DEFINE YOUR OWN
FUTURE REALITY CREATE YOUR OWN SCOPE OF FUTURE REALITY. NOT THE DEFINITION OF SOMEONE ELSE'S HOR·O·SCOPE OF YOU. THERE'S MORE TO YOU
NEW YEAR NEW WIN DANITA
MOSLEY
I Know. I Know. I know, 2020 was a year that none of us will soon forget. The impact on people covered every gamut of loss. Loss of loved ones, loss of relationships, loss of jobs, loss of businesses, loss of social interactions, loss of financial stability… the list of losses could go on and on. Rather than sink deeper down that rabbit hole, let us talk about some wins. You WIN if you were able to stay connected to family and friends via phone calls, zoom meetings, socially distant gatherings, cards, gift baskets, a driveby, parking lot meet ups, whatever it took. You WIN if you were able to pivot your business to a virtual and/or eCommerce space. You WIN if you were able to homeschool your children and continue to run your business from home. You WIN if you had the wherewithal to search out, apply for, and win the numerous grant opportunities presented as a result of the pandemic. You WIN if you were able to rehire or keep staff engaged during the shutdowns, and even if you were not, you still WIN because you created a plan to hire new talent. You WIN if you were mentally overwhelmed by your business and the shutdown BUT you found a way to renew your strength and prioritize your goals. Most of all, you WIN if you are still here, clothed in your right mind, breathing fresh air, and ready to expect the unexpected of 2021.
We all will take the learnings of 2020 and apply them to how we navigate life and business moving forward. If you are a freshman entrepreneur, you learned the many benefits of being “officially” structured and organized. In other words, if you have been selling t-shirts out of the trunk of your car since forever, that’s called hustle and not a business. If you are a sophomore/junior entrepreneur you learned that perhaps you were structured correctly, but your books were not in order, and/or your plans had many gaps that will be addressed in 2021. If you are a senior entrepreneur you learned that even your best laid plans do not outweigh the plan of God, for “I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not harm you… plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) As we look to 2021 for our entrepreneurship adventure, no matter where you are in this journey, remember that this is the year you will take back any losses of 2020 in accordance with the plan that has been laid out for you! Personally, I will be going after dreams deferred and leveling up all current business ventures in a way that honors the plan and purpose because in 2021 there is MORE to me; and sis, there is definitely MORE to you! THE TAKE BACK | WOMEN OF MORE 2021
DO YOU KNOW HOW POWERFUL YOU ARE?
DR. MALAIKA TURNER, PH.D.
A month ago, I had the opportunity to preach a sermon at my church. Shoutout to Victory Christian Assembly in Indiana, PA! The title of the message was “We are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, And Now It’s Time to Own It.” The text focused on two scriptures, but I homed in on Genesis 1:1-26. The goal was to drive home the message that when God created us, it was his intention that we live with authority, dominion, purpose and power. Why is this so important? Because many of us have not been living as if we were created with dominion, authority, power, and purpose are interwoven into the fabric of our DNA. We’ve allowed the activities of the world, the issues of our past, and the negative influence of others to stifle us from tapping into our greatness. Well, it’s 2021, BEAUTIFUL! This is our year to tap into the power of repossession and snatch back our authority, dominion, power, and purpose. It’s time that we snatch back the original intent for our lives. Time out for settling! This is the year to execute! This is our year to shift into warp speed out of confusion, complacency, and comfort zones. Sis, this is it! It’s time for us to realign with divine destiny and God’s original blueprint for our lives!
So how do we do that? Very good question! Let’s start by incorporating PRT on a daily basis. PRT is our Power Reminder Time. This is the time of the day when we carve out five minutes to say the I AM statements below. I believe that our words have power and how we use our power can begin the process of changing our trajectory. So, carve out time and declare the following 20 statements. Feel free to add your own. I believe a daily dose of PRT will change how we see ourselves and strengthen us to go forward with the power, authority, dominion, and purpose we were meant to possess.
I am powerful. I am courageous. I am blessed and everything connected to me is blessed. I am beautiful. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am here on purpose. I am a trailblazer. I am a successful business owner. I own land that will profit my children’s children. I am positioned for greatness. Therefore, I am the head. I am above. I am the lender. I am anointed. I am healthy. I am wealthy. I am prosperous. I am God's masterpiece. I am innovative. I am a starter and I am a finisher. THE TAKE BACK | WOMEN OF MORE 2021
We have lived through a year that will go down in the history books as challenging, confusing, and heartwrenching, but for some it was empowering. What? Empowering? I hear some of you saying “I’ve been laid off, furloughed or have had to close my business. What’s empowering about that?” Let me share a revelation with you.
WILL YOUR CAREER SURVIVE THROUGH THE PANDEMIC?
Some of my greatest successes have come through some of my most difficult seasons. In the summer of 2007, I was laid off. In between cleaning the house and chauffeuring my son around, the gift of writing exploded in my life. Yes, it was developed in a high school creative writing class; however, I still didn’t realize the magnitude of this breakthrough because I was destined to be a singer… smile.
However, this special summer something magical happened, I wrote my
first fictional novel and embraced a love for writing that’s hard to put in words. What did it take for me to birth this gift? Courage and faith! Courage to step out of my comfort zone and believe that there was more to me than singing. Faith to believe that the summer of 2007 was an intentional seed that would sprout into greater works. Today I am the author of three books and writing for this awesome magazine, Women of More! Now, I want to encourage and challenge you with three steps of rediscovering your career.
1.BELIEVE IN YOURSELF Have the courage to just believe again! Believe that you have the ability to grow in your current role or move into a new career or business opportunity. Believe that you can get through this pandemic as a better and stronger person. Believe that you can rediscover gifts and talents that will bring you joy and, hopefully, new income.
2.CONNECT There are so many avenues to connect with others today that it’s almost overwhelming. So, I want you to make purposeful connections with a mentor, with individuals that are doing what you desire to do or connect to specific learning opportunities. Put your research hat on and develop your craft or sign-up for a certificate course.
3. TRANSFORM Utilize your faith to transform your talents into a new career or business. Each of us has skills that can be used in other settings, they are called transferable skills. These could include skills like organization, fundraising, leadership or event planning.
You may
have used these gifts in a certain industry, at home or in a non-profit organization. This is the time to repackage your skills and develop new opportunities. Once you’ve addressed these items, you will be ready to explore this career journey. Good news you don’t have to walk it alone, you can send your career questions to me: camillesing@yahoo.com. In our next issue, we will discuss how to take the next step in your career journey utilizing your own
GINA EDWARDS
personal story. Until then, continue to extend your faith with courage.
THE TAKE BACK | WOMEN OF MORE 2021
ART WE LOVE
HERart AÏCHA SACHA
@AICHASACHA.ART
is a Beninese-german, self-taught fine artist living in Marseille, France. Using vibrant oil colors in her paintings or black and white in her graphite drawings, Sacha works with extreme contrasts to portray often dark topics. Talking about taboos like recovering from abuse and mental health problems, the place of women in modern society, racism, and sexism. Sacha’s art mirrors her inner life, emotions, and struggles.
But also celebrates black women with all their facets and abilities using her art as a tool of empowerment. Her goal is to create a powerful message with painful memories, starting the process of healing and overcoming difficult periods in life. She wants to connect through her art with people that are in similar situations and raise awareness of topics that are not represented enough in society.
ONOME OTITE
@ONOMEOTITE
Onome Otite is a London-based Artist. She received a BA Hons Degree in Film and Video from London College of Communication and has participated in 7 group shows and 2 solo shows in Europe and Canada.
Her work is inspired by collage and uses mixed materials to produce three-dimensional artworks that are distinctive in style. Borrowing elements from dance, fashion, and world cultures her hand drawn figures are decorated with textiles and recycled materials that have been manipulated by hand.
SAMANTHA DENNIS
@SAMANTHADENNIIS
Samantha Dennis is a Toronto based visual artist of Jamaican descent. Using her borderline abstract-portrait style, she creates vivid portraits showcasing black women. Not seeing enough representation, Samantha explores an interesting but, amazing space of being a black woman while viewing and painting other black women. Through the subtle poses and intense gazes, her works interact and challenge the viewer's gaze without being possessed. Samantha credits the inspiration of her works to the resilience, beauty, versatility, and finesse of black women. Samantha received her BFA in Drawing and Painting from OCADU (Ontario College of Art and Design, Toronto) in 2014. In late 2018, she started pursuing an independent art practice and is currently working towards her first solo show.
HERart PICTURES AND CONTENT WAS PROVIDED FROM THE ARTIST INSTAGRAM PAGES AND WEBSITES.
HERart
ART WE LOVE
SANDRA SERWAH SIAW @SERWAHPHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHER ACCRA, GHANA
ALEX GASAWAY
@ALEXGASAWAY
Alex said in her post, "I really fell in love with photo and video while I was capturing moments on outdoor adventures. I love in studio work too, but run and gun, natural light, documentary-style storytelling is my absolute favorite thing to make."
SHANNON WOODLOE @SAWPHOTOG
Shannon said in a post, " I am a storyteller. Sometimes the stories are my own. Sometimes the stories are what life gives. Sometimes the stories are what I see from the words written by others."
HERart PICTURES AND CONTENT WAS PROVIDED FROM THE ARTIST INSTAGRAM PERSONAL PAGES AND WEBSITES.
OUR FOUNDER
THE TAKE BACK.
I believe women sometimes forget their position of power they were born with. But then I have to ask myself, “Did they forget it or did they give it away?”
MICHELLE WASHINGTON
PHOTO BY IVAN THOMAS
During the pandemic, I have found pleasure in taking a drive to nowhere to turn around and come home. It has given me the energy that comes from getting fresh air and moments of quietness to listen, think, and just be. On one particular day I was playing some worship music and just thanking God for loving me so much. I heard Him very clear when He said, “It’s time to take back what was stolen from you and what you gave away.” I instantly got emotional because I knew it was true and I had to respond.
I invite you on this courageous challenge to TAKE BACK everything. It could be YOU, courage, love, peace, joy, happiness, finances, your gifts, your health, your power–whatever it is this is YOUR MOMENT. I’m counting on you and need you to walk, talk and lead with me.
In the midst of this, I’ve been seeking the direction for Women of MORE magazine 2021. And, of course, the message for me was the message of Women of MORE. I got super-duper excited because so many questions I had about women, our power, our determination, our swag, and more was answered in that moment.
The vision is to expand our reach and message creativity through short films, commercials, meetups, and tours around the world. Women of MORE will always remain relevant and current for women with the intention for women to move in the direction of being Women of MORE.
2021 is the YEAR OF THE TAKE BACK!
AS THE FOUNDER OF WOMEN OF MORE, WHERE DO YOU SEE THE DIRECTION FOR THE BRAND?
THE TAKE BACK.
Stay tuned there's more. Some of us may have lost our steam, value, strength or boldness because we either gave it away, someone stole it from us, or we lost it along the way. Well, we’re stopping that pattern NOW! The work that’s before us, the responsibility of today, requires us to take back everything. I know for sure I have need of some of the things I gave away, lost or were stolen from me in order to lead with a continued passion, boldness, fire and a new commitment of being a Woman of MORE.
u o y o d t a h w
really, really, , y l l a e r want?
DR. TORRI LOVE GRIFFIN, LPC
What do you really, really, really want? As a person. As a friend. As a parent. As a business mogul. What do you want for yourself that is inside of all those identities? Is it fame? Is it fortune? Is it love? Peace? Joy? Power? Freedom? So much to choose from… so many directions to go. But you absolutely must choose. Even avoiding choosing is a choice; and the sooner you choose, the better. One thing that I like to remind our youth is that they are already heading down a path that has been chosen–even if by default. Each decision is followed by another and another and if you were to draw a line between those decisions, you could form a line pointing to the most probable next outcome. But is it one you want? Let’s try something. Think about your past love relationships as points. Think about their similarities–their challenges. Connect the dots. Did the previous two or three point to the last one? Or did you decidedly make a shift in your choices and get different results? EXACTLY! You absolutely get different results when you deliberately decide what you want next and make different choices. When it comes to manifesting your dreams, there are techniques that have been utilized by successful people all over the world for ages. It’s no secret. Think your favorite thoughts, feel your best feelings, take inspired action and experience the desired results. The first step is to choose. Be bold and decide what you really, really, really want. Write it down. Imagine what it feels like to be, do and have that life. Spend time feeling that feeling every day. Do something that has absolutely anything to do with living it out and watch your life align in big and small ways with what you really, really, really want. You have to believe that the things you want to do, be, and have are yours for you to do, be and have. If you need help from a vision board or a focus board, build it. Do you like affirmations and proclamations? Write them and recite them. These are tools that help you carve out what you want your life to be. The key is to know that you are a powerful force, and you can apply yourself to making your dreams come true. The first step is definitely a big one, but I double dog dare you to do it. Choose. It is like setting the navigation system in your car and beginning a life-long journey toward your destiny. There will be many sights to see and great things to enjoy along the way. There will also be twists and turns but all are necessary to get you where you are going. Don’t let fear stop you. Believe again that you can find your heart’s desire and get what you really, really, really want. It’s out there waiting for you. Go get it. THE TAKE BACK | WOMEN OF MORE 2021
MILLER-LACY
Can take less and make much. She's a visionary, a
I AM MY SISTER'S KEEPER
Charlotte dreamer, and a doer. She is led by the Spirit of God. There is absolutely no one on this entire earth like Charlotte Miller-Lacy. She believes all of that makes her a Woman of More.
WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOU WERE A WOMAN OF MORE? I discovered I was a woman of more on one summer day when I came home from working in Delaware. The closer I got to my neighborhood with row houses and abandoned buildings the more depressed I became. Even though my house was great the surrounding wasn't and it was a cement jungle. I made the decision we had to move before the boys started school in September. I prayed and asked God to show me the way. Michelle, I started telling everyone we were moving. I got a realtor and started looking for houses in Delaware. I was very specific, I wanted a single home. I wanted to be able to walk around my property. Sometimes when God tells you to do something he moves situations and relationships out of the way. I found myself a single parent making my own moves. I won't tell you it wasn't scary because it was. But deep
That this house and school district would be perfect to raise them both
down inside of me it felt like it was going to be scarier if
in. That the yard would allow my son with special needs to go outside
I didn't move. I packed my entire house up and my 2
without anyone bothering him, and the change of environment would be
boys and I lived out of one room. I purchased paper
great for the other one who was starting to be curious about the streets.
products for us to eat off of and only keep out 1 pot and
I told them my desire to move right away for my boys to start school on
a frying pan to cook out of. I packed the boys 2 weeks
the first day which was the end of August. Long story short they agreed
of clothes and everything else went into the storage
if I would allow them to leave somethings in the garage. Still today one
boxes for our move. I labeled all the boxes and after
of my girlfriends reminds me if I start to have the least bit of doubt "let
work and weekends, I search for our home. I remember
me tell you about a Woman of More who said she was moving and put
the day my mother stopped by the house and saw how
crazy faith to work".
everything was packed. She said oh great you found a
needed to go and speak with somebody. I told her, she
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO INSPIRE WOMEN THAT ARE RETIRED?
was the one who taught me how to pray and believe,
If you are not at a point where you honestly are not living the life you
now she didn't believe in me. I told her that I was moving
love to live, What is holding you back? If you are looking at your life and
my boys away; it's just a matter of time.
you have more time behind you then what's in front of you What is
house? I said no, not yet it's coming. She said maybe I
holding you back? It behooves you to listen to Gladys Knight's song "I I finally found one I liked in Claymont and was going to settlement. A few days before I was talking to my realtor who was a Black woman and said to her I was struggling a little with the down payment. She told the sellers and the deal fell through. I was heartbroken and was going to sue her, my Pastor said, Pray on it, maybe that wasn't the house for you. I did and it wasn't. I got another realtor and finally, after 2 viewings I found the house I live in now. It was midAugust while sitting in the house that was going to be ours I wrote the sellers a letter. I told them I was a single mother with 2 boys, one who was mentally challenged.
Hope You Dance" I intend to Dance until I can't dance no more! I am 62 and retired the day after my birthday. I have never been without a paycheck since I was 16, I am doing that crazy faith thing again. I know people say yes but you have a husband. This is true and I am blessed and highly favored. I also know my salary was the dominant salary in the family, this is truly a Faith walk for me! I know and believe my Passion will open doors and God will make room for me because I said Yes to his will for my life. Every time I have done that he shows out and up! What will be your Faith Walk?
Then you got really busy and totally forgot about your dreams Now your dreams have flatlined (Code Blue), or so it seems But those dreams that you let die, can be redeemed Bring back to life what was once full of verve, and you let become brittle, disconnected, and dry Speak a word to that thing and begin to put it back together for your words have power on this you can rely Saturate those bones with some Holy Ghost filled fire Breathe into, resuscitate and fill those dry bones with life to your heart’s desire Your dreams have a pulse again, your dreams have been revived The heartbeat that was once lost now has movement, your dreams are alive Those dry bones are beginning to move and reconnect and shake Those dry bones once thought to have no more life are now beginning to quicken and quake Those bones have been resurrected, and now those bones can get up When it looks like it’s too much for you to bear, ask the Father to help you hold your cup You forgot that when God is in your corner, all you do is win, win, win For He makes all things new, those bones can and will live again
RESURRECTING DRY BONES
But you let the Nos discourage you, you believed the wrong report What was meant to give you purpose and sustenance is now barely making it on life support
SHARON WILSON
You once had dreams that were strong, healthy, vibrant, and full of vigor. You would sit for hours feeding that thing and your ideas would just get bigger and bigger
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AWARENESS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY AND BEYOND EDUCATE YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND COMMUNITY TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE INVISIBLE PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL AND FINANCIAL IMPACT OF LUPUS.
MAKE LUPUS VISIBLE
The twists and turns of life that we all experience bring about opportunities to orchestrate the response to them as well as the outcome. When we hear the word “defiance,” we think of resistance, disobedience, or opposition. To counter that, I submit to you that there is such a thing as “positively defying.” Those of you who are friends or acquaintances of mine have seen my occasional use of #defyingthediagnosis or #positivelydefying. It primarily stems from a cancer diagnosis I received over two years ago. The numerous medical tests and medical notes did not put forth a good prognosis. The file itself was thick, and my doctor walked in and was surprised by how I looked physically. You see, I defied what science dictated as to how I should look with the diagnosis given. The work began at that point to counter, or positively defy, this impending challenge and I am continuing to do so today.
The tendency to see the act of defying something as a good thing has taken quite a turn for me and so many others in 2021. The political climate, economic challenges, a global pandemic, and civil unrest make for a mixed bag of responses as to how these concerns affect each of our lives. The right frame of mind really has an impact on how one chooses to defy a challenge or problem in a positive or negative way. Much of the civil rights activities of the sixties– and even the Black Lives Matter peaceful marches of today–exhibited positive defiance against injustice and called it out openly and avoided a negative response in most cases. How we respond to rejection by a potential employee, a romantic suitor, or a negative comment, can bring about an outcome that we may not have been ready for.
No matter how many “Nos” we get, or how often we are told we can’t, or how many obstacles we face, we must learn to continue moving forward in spite of them. Choose to look for positive solutions to your problems. Learning to face the storm and defy it contributes to a host of life lessons that stay with us for the long term. We can learn from others by watching how they respond to challenges. We learn so much about ourselves when we face our challenges and find ourselves standing strong on the other side of a problem that could have been crippling or brought about a major setback.
FOR A DIFFERENT OUTCOME TYNETTA T. BROWN
Positively defying speaks to a personal approach to life, but we all should be mindful that if we have been assigned a mountain, we should rise and show ourselves and others who are watching, it can be moved.
WHO'S LOOKING OUT FOR US? MIKAIL PHILLIPS
Who's looking out for us? I’m glad you asked. Did you know, according to BLS.gov, that nurses make up 30% of the workforce in hospitals? It is one of the largest healthcare professions in the United States and often the driving force behind positive healthcare outcomes. Fantastic, right? Unfortunately, we are often overlooked, underappreciated, and without a voice. After working multiple 12-hour shifts and caring for severely ill individuals, we are exhausted and emotionally drained. The bottom line is, nurses need support, both physically and mentally.
Becoming a nurse means so much more than taking care of sick individuals. It means to be selfless, compassionate, and kind. To be able to have the capacity to give even when you don't have the strength to give. With the onslaught of COVID-19, the healthcare system is under more strain than it has ever been. Already a caregiver in a broken system, the calling to be a great nurse has become an impossible task due to the lack of appropriate staffing and supply shortages in hospitals. Furthermore, while trying to stay safe, we are witnessing our loved ones and individuals in our community suffer from this virus. It has taken a toll on our physical and mental health. With burnout already being an issue for nurses, adding COVID-19 to the mix has increased compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is the decline in empathy due to high-stress environments and repeated exposure to others' suffering. So with the weight of the world being on our shoulders, the next time you see a nurse, smile and give us a warm thank you. It's needed and it will be appreciated. #Nursesmatter
REFERENCE: BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK HANDBOOK, REGISTERED NURSES, AT HTTPS://WWW.BLS.GOV/OOH/HEALTHCARE/REGISTERED-NURSES.HTM NOMADIC
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If life were a dance, I’d want three steps of compassion. I had an experience recently that challenged me to be amused with life no matter what. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t a funny situation. I wanted to figure out how to take back my rhythm so that I could keep celebrating the generous support poured on me these past months coming into the New Year. Listening to myself while feeling disconnected was not easy. What gave me direction was focusing on what I treasure most. Being the mistress of my emotions meant that I would observe my thoughts, feelings, and actions so that I could be gentle with myself. That did not make it easy or stop me from wanting to run away. I decided to paint my thoughts to align with what I believe in. That meant changing my mind a lot and dismissing many thoughts. I wanted to criticize myself. Speaking to myself from a state of wonder at my feelings helped me remember, solutions are possible. For weeks as the situation continued it seemed like I was eating more, shirking responsibility, and stepping out on myself. Self-abandonment was not what I wanted. But I felt like running away. I allowed myself to grieve and laugh at myself while wondering, what do you really want?
Practicing a life with rhythm does not keep me from experiencing a countermelody. Moving through this challenge has brought me to my latest amusement. And that means more laughter to share. My goal is to dance through life as it happens. There is so much luxury in allowing grief and laughter for myself as I sift through thoughts. There were years when I did not consider taking time to listen to myself. Time to wonder at what could be. I didn’t know how valuable it was to speak well to myself, especially when I wasn’t feeling it. My thoughts are the baseline to action and the design of my life. Practicing presence and intention is not a steady march. It is tender and unpredictable full of all the emotions. It’s almost a divine echo. And the refrain is that I have more to share with you. It is my practice to uncover behavior that stands in the way of the things that you want most in life. Because your state of mind affects your life in every way including your vitality, your loves, and your opportunities. Having relationships is standard. Enjoying them is a luxury. I hope this has inspired you to take back your heart of compassion. Do it for yourself. Do it for the ones you love. I look forward to a little chat with you in the near future.
Compassion P'alex Dillon
Many times, we walk around in brokenness not recognizing the patterns of toxicity in our lives until it is pointed out by others. Do you notice the fake friends that point out the flaws in others but won’t tell you when you stink or can’t tell you because they stink too? Do you notice how you keep attracting the wrong guy? Every relationship has ended in abuse or infidelity and you form the conclusion that all men are dogs when in reality you are the dog catcher. Do you even know what a good man looks like? Mama didn’t present good examples. Daddy wasn’t there or he was in and out; and when he did come around, he gave you a few dollars or a gift so you could brag to your friends. Thus, you equated a “good” man with money and paying the bills. So, when he came along, all he had was a hustle and a dream, and he was fine, so you gave him the cookie before you found out if the milk was spoiled. Neither the cookie, the good cooking, the Ms. Independent badge you proudly wear, or the baby you had for him made him faithful. You endured the pain, became his ride or die and it still didn’t make him faithful. Is he a bad man? Absolutely, but you also made a bad choice. You jumped in head-first without gathering enough data, and you chose to stay after seeing the fruit was rotten. So, when he came along, all he had was a hustle and a dream, and he was fine, so you gave him the cookie before you found out if the milk was spoiled. Neither the cookie, the good cooking, the Ms. Independent badge you proudly wear, or the baby you had for him made him faithful. You endured the pain, became his ride or die and it still didn’t make him faithful. Is he a bad man? Absolutely, but you also made a bad choice. You jumped in head-first without gathering enough data, and you chose to stay after seeing the fruit was rotten. You need to heal!
Healing will enlighten you to the fruit! Faithlessness is evident long before cheating is discovered. It’s found not in words but in actions. Character, integrity, and honesty are the fruit of faithfulness. When are you going to put your big girl panties on and ask the real question: What is it about me that keeps attracting the wrong men/people in my life? Why does everyone in the gutter rise up when I walk by? The makeup, designer clothes, shoes, handbag, bank account, and the nice house can’t hide the corrosion of your heart. You stink, sis! Real talk! And though you think no one notice, everybody sees it but you. When he comes to take you out for lunch on payday… we see. When you lash out on social media… we see. When you got a new boo every 90 days… we see. When you get an attitude when asked about him… we see. When you’re still with him after he cheated for the 3rd time… we see. When you talk about your girlfriend’s relationship, but your relationship is no better… we see. When you can’t keep a job because the women are jealous of you or your supervisor doesn’t like you… we see. You need to heal, Sis, because it’s time to end the cycle and take back your crown. You’re bleeding all over everything and everyone and the blood is drawing predators. Decide today to stop placing Band-Aids® over the wound and have open heart surgery.
THE PATTERN IS YOU! INDIANA TUGGLE
THE TAKE BACK | WOMEN OF MORE 2021
THE FIXER.
THE IYANLA VANZANT TEACHER. COUNSELOR. WOMAN OF MORE.
PUT IN THE WORK PICTURE COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM
MEN TAL HEALTH WWW.MHANATIONAL.ORG
AWARENESS
USE THE NHS 111 ONLINE SERVICE, OR CALL 111. YOU MAY BE ABLE TO SPEAK TO A NURSE, OR MENTAL HEALTH NURSE, OVER THE PHONE. A GP CAN ADVISE YOU ABOUT HELPFUL TREATMENTS AND ALSO HELP YOU ACCESS MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES. YOU MAY BE ABLE TO REFER YOURSELF TO SOME SERVICES.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS, ALWAYS.
GOD r e g g i b is RAINBOW HUFF
Life as we know it looks very different for most of the world right now. The United States, in particular, has experienced some of the most tumultuous times it has ever seen during the last year. If you’re anything like me, maintaining both your safety and sanity can seem like a full-time job in and of itself. I believe that now, more than ever, it’s important that we encourage ourselves and maintain a positive outlook. I want to remind you (and me) that no matter what’s happening in and around us, God is bigger.
God is bigger than our limitations. Each of us has seeds of greatness within that will allow us to influence and impact not just our circles, but the broader world. We can only impact and influence on this level when we see beyond our limits. Some women have launched new businesses during this pandemic. Many women have been out of work but skipped not one beat. We’ve all been stretched beyond our limits and yet and still, here we are, tapping into the greater power afforded to us when we let go and let God!
God is bigger than our fears. We’re commanded at least 365 times in the Bible to fear not. This is the season to starve our fears so that they don’t show up in a greater capacity than our faith. No matter how chaotic and troubling the world may seem right now, we have to remember that God is still in control.
God is bigger than our mistakes. We’ve been gifted with God’s amazing grace and it comes with no condemnation.
God is bigger than our mistakes. We’ve been gifted with God’s amazing grace and it comes with no condemnation. Nobody was given a blueprint on how to handle life in the middle of a global pandemic. I’m sure each of us has had some missteps along the way in this season of our lives. But God’s grace is sufficient! It protects us from the things that were meant to bury us and allows us to hold our heads high when shame wants us to hang them low. God’s grace enables the encouragement and covering we need to pursue our destinies with poise and confidence.
Don’t let worldly external factors rob you of your peace and joy. Be encouraged! We must rise above our fears and face uncertainty with courage. Let us use the power of God’s grace to turn our mistakes into messages of hope and inspiration for others. May we all take the limits off of ourselves and God so that we can dream bigger dreams and live fuller lives! My prayer for you and me is that no matter what we see around us or face in our daily lives, we never forget or doubt that God is bigger!
UNDEFEATED.
THE YVONNE ORJI BAMBOOZLED BY JESUS. DROPS MAY 25TH. WOMAN OF MORE.
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BE THE
WOMAN YOU WERE
CREATED TO BE YOU WERE GIVEN AUTHORITY AND DOMINION OVER RESOURCES ON EARTH. YOU HAVE THE CAPACITY TO REPRODUCE AND PROSPER. THERE'S MORE TO YOU!