I am Cortne Lee Smith a Grief Strategist, Certified Relationship and Life Coach.

Take a walk with me down memory lane over my last eight years that created the New Me. Part of what fuels me to drive on is a sense of gratitude for getting what I consider my second chance at love and life after losing my husband to cancer and battling depression. 

Unapologetic about my faith in God. My New Walk In 2012 the beginning process of my grief and recovery, I never stopped helping others.. Soon, another life changing event served as the catalyst for the beginning of the coaching business. I found myself out of work for 8 months with a shoulder injury and ankle injury. Returning to work for about 6 months.  Ultimately, I decided to seek disabilty retirement in 2015 . A new physical and spiritual faithwalk began.I decided to walk away from the Victim position into my Victory.

 As part of this journey, I picked up some equipment to empower widows/widowers to find Peace with the Pain; which was an integral part of my ride to becoming a grief strategists.

My New Thoughts

God owed me nothing the gift was the time I was already given with my. No regrets, No remorse, No reverse had to get clear on moving into the new me.

The grace with which I handled my grief journey did not go unnoticed. A co-worker sought my advice on behalf of his brother who had just lost his wife.  The co-worker didn’t know what to say to his brother and thought I would be the best person for him to talk to.  Not wanting to embarrass his brother, the co-worker arranged for his brother to meet me under a different pretext. That meeting turned out to be serendipitous. We quickly bonded and helped each other through our grief.  We both embraced the love that bloomed in the process and married forty-five days later. I did turn out to be the BEST person for him to talk to for the rest of our lives together! Our union is an

I see my life 's work as a ministry #mediaminisyry, even though I don't speak from a pulpit on Sundays. I am always sharing the gospel.

My New Talk

After 20 years of teaching compliance to law enforcement speaking their legal jargon.

The Relationship Service Station launched in May 2016 to teach relationship compliance according to GOD's law speaking the love language.

I talk as the host of the Master Relationship Mechanic Radio/TV show

about the tools needed to have the best relationship with God, Self, and others. Plus, a special broadcast was done on the last Tuesday of every month with my hubby, co-host Fulton Smith. to speak to widows/widowers. I talk via written word through contributions to Team Jesus Magazine, Elevate Magazine, Apostolic Voice’s magazine and blog. 

The talks I enjoy most is interacting with my private clients, conducting workshops, or hosting group events as I share details on through journey.u

In 2020 due to COVID 19 I created a location for the grieving community to access"FREE RESOURCES" for #healthygriefconversations to provide

tools to navigate the #griefjourney

Healthy Grief Conversations

My Lessons Learned

Once you are content in your situation God changes your situation.

People got an opinion about every situation you encounter but the opinion has no value without action to help you through.

Your actions attract your next, which are driven by your thoughts.

Give a positive voice to grief.

Nobody can tell you how to feel, but you can't control.their feelings either.

Your through experience will not go unnoticed.

I could sum up this journey in a lyrical message " New Attitude" song by Patti LaBelle

"I've tidied up my point of view

I got a new attitude

I'm in control

I'm wearing a new dress, new hat

Brand new ideals

As a matter of fact

I've changed for good

My worries are few

'Cause I've got love"

EMAIL: cortne@relationshipservicestation.com

WEBSITE: www.relationshipservicestation.com

INSTAGRAM: @masterrelationshipmechanic

FACEBOOK: Relationship Service Station

I am Angela Ray; a daughter, an auntie, a soror, and a friend. Professionally, I am a multi-media artist working as an actress, author, speaker, and host. I am passionate about telling stories as well as helping others elevate their own voices. I have written three books; Blackberry Whispers, Rays of Motivation: 99 Tips for Staying Energized, Empowered and Encouraged to Create Success in Your Business and Life, and Megastar Student Leadership: Lessons I Learned as an Actress That Can Help You Lead, Achieve and Succeed. Personally, I am a believer who works on her relationship with God continually. I am also a die-hard Tar Heel fan, the mascot of my beloved Alma mater, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Lastly, I am a devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

My most recent television project, Robbie, is the latest sitcom on Comedy Central. It premiered late spring and can now be streamed on the Comedy Central website and YouTube channel. I play “Sugar Stevens” a successful entrepreneur and author who makes a strong impression on the title character Robbie, played by Rory Scovel. The show also features the legend, Beau Bridges who I was also honored to work with on the show.

WHAT IS ONE HIGH-POINT OF YOUR LIFE?

I have been blessed to have multiple high points in my life. One of my more recent high points was my appearance in my first sitcom, Tyler Perry’s Love thy Neighbor. Prior to that show, I had always thought of myself as a dramatic actress. Ironically, it was one of my long-time friends and fellow actors who suggested I prepare something comedic for my first meeting with Mr.Perry’s in-house casting director. Shooting the show was a magical experience. From my cast mates to working with the iconic entertainment mogul who is Tyler Perry, I was on cloud nine my first day on set. Then, months later when my first episode was set to air, my scene made the commercial. For an entire week, I had friends, family, and classmates calling me, sending me messages, and looking me up on Facebook every time it aired. It literally aired no fewer than 100 times.

The day after my first episode aired, a picture from my scene was on the homepage of Oprah.com. That to me was almost as big as the appearance on the show. I knew there may be a lot of people who did not watch Love thy Neighbor, but EVERYBODY scrolls Oprah’s website. The following Sunday, I was grocery shopping after church, and someone recognized me from ONE appearance on the show.

WHAT HAS BEEN A LOW-POINT OF YOUR LIFE?

One of my lowest points was when I lost my only sister to breast cancer. She died in my arms. We knew that she had been in a lot of pain and the treatment was brutal, but it was still hard to let go. I immediately went into protection mode, mainly for my parents. I knew this was even harder for them than it was for me. I took over, planning the funeral, making sure everyone was okay, except me. After the funeral, I was running myself ragged driving back and forth home to help my parents with the estate. A couple of months later, I was depressed and didn’t realize it until someone described my behavior. As soon as I heard it all together, I knew I needed help.

After my sister died, I had another major loss coupled with my cousin dying from cancer a year after my sister. I was thankful that I already had a personal relationship with God. When I

prayed, I received guidance on what to do. One of my first steps was getting into counseling. I worked on my physical well being too. I invested heavily in personal development tapes, books, and conferences. Lastly, I made steps to really focus on my acting career. A change in my personal environment also made a big difference.

WHO WAS THE MOST INFLUENCIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE?

My parents. I was very blessed to have a strong team cheering me on for my endeavors. They introduced me to church, prayer at home and building my relationship with God. And, their love of family influenced me to value my loved ones.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THESE LIFE EXPERIENCES?

It’s all temporary. Despite the pain of any situation, it’s all temporary. I remember how sad and angry I was after my sister died. Holidays were not the same. I hurt for my parents. I hurt for my niece. I hurt for myself.And then one day, though the loss was still there, I noticed a shift. It was like though we all missed her, we had adapted to a new normal. Ten years later, we are still adapting.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE PROJECTS?

I relaunched my talk show online during social distancing. I used to tape it in a studio a few years ago and eventually that location was no longer available. I found a location right before the pandemic but then it was not safe to do it there. The Angela Ray Show broadcasts on my Facebook and YouTube pages simultaneously.

My latest book, Megastar Student Leadership is now on Amazon. It’s a great guide for both high school and college students and is an awesome gift as students prepare to return to the classroom.

More information is available at www.megastarleadership.com.

Lastly, I am also launching my speaker coaching program. This year so many people found themselves speaking online on Zoom meetings, Skype sessions and Webex conferences, often not prepared to communicate verbally on those types of platforms. With over a decade of speaking experience, multiple speaking awards, and my degree in communication, I am prepared for this next level of serving and training others.

Email: Info@AngelaRay.com

Website: www.AngelaRay.com

Instagram: @TheAngelaRay

Facebook: @TheAngelaRay

YouTube: @AngelaRayTV

I typically think that those of us that are suffering don’t always realize that we are, or that we have been. Does that resonate with anyone? Sometimes we grow so distant and so out of touch with who we are that we become hollow enough we feel we can reach inside our own hearts.

When I was 14, I was told I could never have children. And so, as a teen, I walked around mourning as adults would, yearning for babies I so desired but believed I’d never have. I had crazy health issues- at one point, I even bled non-stop for 11 months. I endured years of pain, health concerns, doctors’ visits- many that continued into my adulthood, with two surgeries, just last year.

I was married at 17, and by 19, almost immediately after getting off of birth control, I miraculously got pregnant with the baby I was told could never be conceived. And while I had all of the regular cravings and aversions, something wasn’t right. Throughout my pregnancy, my due date changed five times, I’d lost over 30 pounds, and the measurements never seemed to make sense. And because I was never expected to get pregnant in the first place, the conception date was never nailed down. I went to doctor appointments alone and this new baby in my belly hid during three different appointments when I tried to learn the gender.

Still, I was morning, mid-day, and night sick. I painted the guest-room-turned-nursery in pastel colors and filled an antique dresser with baby clothes and soft blankets. My due date changed again, to almost a full month past the original date. And at five and half months, on a Sunday afternoon, I felt my baby kick in the most crazy, intense way, like never before.

And then it stopped. I felt nothing else.

When I called to speak to the doctor, I was told that heavy women often feel all variations of intensity in baby movements; kicking or none was normal; just keep my next appointment.

At that next appointment, I learned I had a son. And my son had no heartbeat.

I learned that day that the child I was told I could never conceive; my wished for, wanted child, had died that Sunday. The kicking I had felt was likely during him fighting for his last moments as he suffocated due to sub-corneal hemorrhaging, yet I had had no bleeding. And instead of going to celebrate “It’s a boy,” I called our families to let them know I was being rushed to the hospital. I learned I was having a boy, then was questioned about what I wanted to do with his body after delivery.

And in that moment, I learned what being hollow feels like. If one could reach through their own chest and find “empty,” I have known that feeling too well.

I was taken for more tests to confirm my child had passed away. I was asked how I could sleep on my stomach by a nurse that didn’t know my child had passed. I was “comforted” by people that found they benefited from my loss.

My doctor came and opened a window of hope. He told me that God takes children that are perfect to be his angels before their feet even touch the earth. I was induced and delivered my stillborn son, Kristopher Isaac, the next morning. My silent son legally didn’t weigh enough to be given a birth/ death certificate. By law, he doesn’t exist. Yet, I felt him, named him, prayed for him, wept for him, wiped the blood from his eyes, counted his fingers and toes, and gave him away.

Words cannot begin to express how it feels to hold a lifeless child in your hands, yet it is because of him that I have been able to try again. The Lord has this intense way of rebuilding after breaking, and an undeniable way of knowing what he’s doing, even in our pain. Have you ever buried a child? Had one dissolve in your womb?

The doctor that gave me words of hope also advised me to get pregnant again immediately. My body suffered illness, false positives, eventually leading to two high-risk pregnancies, and eventually, these two amazing kids I’m so beyond blessed to have. I had two surgeries last summer to help heal my body, part of that also ensuring I’ll never have more children, and I didn’t realize until then that I was still hurting from loss… over 17 years ago.

For years, I pressed emotion and pain down into my belly, pretending life was okay. I wasn’t willing to heal, or even realizing healing needed to begin. I have these amazing children, yet there was still this pain that resonated deep within, and until I began to get very ill and very angry, did I realize what needed to be dug up and dealt with. Finality of surgery was heartbreaking and healing simultaneously, even though I had already known I’d never have more kids.

I would be a liar if I said life was easy or lacked suffering. But prayers from those that love me enough to pour into me when I simply couldn’t pour into myself are such blessings. God is a God of Love so beyond our understandings. Kristopher served his exact purpose while he was here. He showed me that life is filtered through hands of love, God’s hands. Despite how it often looks initially, my womb was opened, despite what doctors claimed. Life is often difficult and humbling, but situations must not define us. More so, when we truly look to who God is, we become overcomers. He makes no mistakes. And it’s okay to heal.

Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV)

14 Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed;

    save me and I will be saved,

    for you are the one I praise.

PLEASE BRIEFLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF, SO THE READERS CAN GET TO KNOW YOU? I'm Divorced Mother of two grandmother of 5. I'm a International speaker, an Evangelist and the Owner of Driven 2 Empower U LLC.

HIGH POINT When I wrote my first book on how to stay on the journey regardless of the rage when I stopped baby sitting everyone else's dream vision and idea and gave birth to mines I felt the chains of bondage fall off of me. When I stopped giving other peoples more words that I gave God's words. When I stopped walking in my brokenness and did the work to heal myself and walk into my true authentic self.

LOW POINT In 2012 I got hurt at my job and my doctor said I was totally disabled I lost everything, i lost what little self esteem I had left. I was evicted, bankrupted. It started my long road of my homeless in other people's home. I felt like nothing and no one. How did I work my whole life and end up in this position I even found myself sharing a room with my youngest child while he was in his last year in high school before he went to college.

TURNING POINT My turning point was when God sent me on my Abraham experience from California to Savannah Georgia not knowing how or what I was going to do or where I was going to live all I knew I was tired of being sick and tired and I rolled off my bestfriend's coach and made that drive from California to Georgia not knowing what my furture holded all I knew was I was leaving my past. God told me to trust him and I decided to let him to take the wheel and the car of my life because I was tired of the wrecks I was having with me behind the wheel of my life. Most people say they dont want to date someone with too much baggage when I left California I didn't have baggage I actually had a luggage store and each suit case had names to them low self esteem, domestic violence, molestation, abandonment, so many to mention and when I got to Savannah God placed me in a home with a family from Jamaica a husband and I wife and 2 children who I had never laid eyes on them until I moved into their home I was 50 years old. I had to share a room with a 7 year old with because God told me that I was immature from the inside up and he needed to grow me up fast and he did. I didn't know this was the journey that would change myself to my brokeness to my true authentic sel .

WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? AL HOLLINGWORTH

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THESE LIFE EXPERIENCES ?

That everything in life happens for a reason, And the things that have happens to us in life has happened for us and not to us. That we need to be transparent and real so others can be healed and that im grateful for all the rejection, all the tears I have.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PROUDEST OF ?

Becoming a international speaker and author while still living on my air mattress without losing my faith.

WHAT KEEP YOU INSPIRED AND WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE UNINSPIRED?

God keeps me inspired. I choose to not let myself down for the first time in my life and to find out who Willette is and who Willette is not and to delete the lies people have spoken into my life and the lies I have spoken over my own life.

WHAT WISDOM WOULD YOU LIKE TO OFFER AS A SURVIVAL MAP?

To fall in love with themselves! To fall in love with all of themselves the good the bad and even the ugly. To forgive people who have hurt them and forgive themselves for the part they played in it or didn't play in their lives.

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION OR BUSINESS AND WHY?

Driven 2 Empower U, LLC Because I'm Driven to Empower my clients to be the best version of themselves and to walk in their true authentic self no matter what they have experienced on their journey called life.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE PROJECTS? Working to build my company and working on my third book.

HOW CAN WE CONNECT WITH YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA? Driven2empoweru@gmail.com

REFLECTION Its part of the healing process and to embrace it.

PLEASE BRIEFLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF, SO THE READERS CAN GET TO KNOW YOU? My name is Pastor Mrs. Veronica Anusionwu. I am happily married and a mother to two beautiful children. For the past 20 years, I have been writing healing books, specializing in healing and have had outstanding result with infertility.  Today I have written over 50 books on healing, infertility, miscarriage and relationship. I am the Founder of LWH Lords Word On Healing Christian Centre. Award-Winning Author Of Over 50 Books On Infertility, Health And Healing and relationship. TV Host Of Breaking The Bounds Of Human Infertility in London.

I have worked with couples from many nations of the world, helping them overcome their challenges in the area of health and fertility. My calling and ministry have been to teach women the power of the Word and how to use His Word to overcome barrenness as well as all affliction. You can find my ministry and numerous testimonies at  https://lwhhealingcentre.com/trying-to-become-pregnant/.

HIGH POINT / LOW POINT My miscarriage testimony I want to share the testimony of my miscarriage and how God used my pain to heal my life and send me towards a great healing ministry. It happened so suddenly. I was three months pregnant, very healthy, eating and drinking well. Everything seemed to be going on well with my pregnancy. On the night I miscarried I went to bed feeling okay. Then at about 5 a.m., I felt the urge to use the toilet. So, I got up and went into the bathroom. I sat on the toilet, and the next thing I saw was blood. I was bleeding profusely and had clots of blood falling out into the toilet. I did not need anyone to tell me I was having a miscarriage. In an instant, my baby was gone. The pain in my heart and my body was intense. Apart from my husband, no one else knew. I bore my grief alone. I wept and then began to pray. I asked God why so many women had miscarriages these days. I wanted an answer and wanted it fast. As I wept quietly before the Lord something happened. God spoke to my heart to write a healing book on overcoming miscarriages so that women could have healthy babies. when I wrote my book, Oh God Why All These Miscarriages?

TURNING POINT Little did I know this experience would launch me into a life-changing ministry. God anointed me to write healing books drawn from the Bible. This was the beginning of my calling to heal infertility. As I began to speak God's Word over myself, I conceived again very quickly. I began to use the healing promises of the Bible to speak life over my pregnancy. And everything progressed well. I went on to deliver a very healthy baby boy. He is a grown-up man now. Through this experience and my book, I was led to a healing ministry in which I have experienced the incredible joy of helping countless women around the world become pregnant and deliver healthy babies. Using all I have learnt from my own suffering and the Word of God; I have built a healing ministry today which helps not only women struggling to conceive or those who have had miscarriages to overcome but also helps men and women heal from sickness and afflictions of all sorts. I have also written over 50 books covering various topics like miscarriage, male and female infertility, relationship, marriage, job, immigration, etc. My central vocation is to teach men and women how to pray their way to breakthrough using the healing promises of Gods Word found in the Bible.

WHO WAS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? My elder sister Grace Ugonna Ezekwem has always been my number one cheerleader. From the age of eight when she bought me my first Bible to this day, she has never stopped believing in me. She is always there for me, always giving me that special advice, that kind and encouraging word, always there to push me on towards my destiny.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THESE LIFE EXPERIENCES? What I have learned is so very simple yet so very daunting; it is to never to give up. When you have a dream or vision it will be tested. Trials will follow. It takes a lot to become successful in life. But if you don’t give up the time will come when you will succeed. My mission in life now is to encourage men and women and let those who are still grieving from the pain of infertility or miscarriage to never to give up. There is help that is available to you. The most powerful fertility treatment or healing treatment in the world is the Word of God revealed and applied to a situation. I have seen miracles over and over and over during my 25-year ministry. So many women have been blessed. I even had a woman in her mid 40’s who could not get pregnant and went on to have three children in three years by faith in God’s Word.

WHAT ARE YOU PROUDEST OF? I am most proud of these three things in my life. The strength that God gave me to hold on to unimaginable trials and still have faith in him. My husband Chima Anusionwu for his constant support and my children Sarah and Emmanuel who bring me such joy and hope.  I am also proud of what I have achieved. I was awarded a recognition award last year for my years of helping families across the world conceive. WHAT ARE YOUR MOTIVATIONS? My utmost motivation is to help the helpless and the despairing. I am at my best helping others achieve their dreams. My life’s purpose is to bring kind words of hope and restoration to those who are hurting and to teach them how to lift the obstacles in their lives by the Word of God. Over the years, I have seen God's word turn around the lives of many women who were deemed infertile or who have done everything they know to do in the natural realm and yet nothing has worked for them. My motivation is to help humankind break the bounds of human infertility by the power of the Spirit of God. Many people do not know that the promises in the Bible contain healing powers in them. When this knowledge was imparted to me, I immediately started quoting Biblical promises to family and friends who were sick and seeing healing results follow. I do want to underscore here that the Word of the Bible does not in any way, interfere with the wisdom and guidance of your doctor. The Word of God will work with the prescription of your doctor. It will help you see the truth and light that will guide you into all truth. My motivation is to help men and women experience the truth of God’s Word.

WHAT WISDOM WOULD YOU LIKE TO OFFER AS A SURVIVAL MAP TO OTHER WOMEN? After years of training in the harvest field of the Lord, the life-changing piece of advice I would like to give to women out there is: develop a strong spiritual relationship with God! Have a relationship with the Holy Spirit. Be sensitive to God’s leading. Read the Bible daily or as much as you can. Learn the promises God has provided for you. If you do not know what God has promised, how can you believe Him for the fulfilment of your desires and destiny? There is Life in God’s Word. I cannot repeat this last sentence enough. It is just like taking medication. The Bible says the Word is “medicine to all your flesh”. People tend to think this is some kind of metaphor. It is not. Take it literally. Also, learn to be honest in your dealings with God. Tell Him the truth about yourself. Don’t use other people’s words or prayers unless they express the true feelings of your heart. I would also like to add the following as a spiritual prescription: Be compassionate to others. Sow seeds of faith. Do not be selfish. Love a lot. All these things are the hallmark of someone who has a relationship with God. And when you live in and by God’s Word and abide in and by his Word, you will not fail.

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION OR BUSINESS AND WHY?

I am a woman of God, a pastor, a wife, a mother, an author, a counsellor, a healer. I stand for God and I bring Him to the lives of all those He has led to me. I have three new directions I am planning to expand my ministry. First, I have a new project in the pipeline to start holding healing crusades across the world, bringing the healing gospel of Christ to many nations of the world. Secondly, I feel a strong calling to work particularly with the women of Africa. I now have lived most of my life in England, but I was born and raised in Africa and I feel that God is leading me towards devoting a portion of my healing ministry to the land of my origin. Finally, I have developed masterclass programs through which I hope to reach out and enable more men and women to develop their spiritual fortitude, knowledge, reliance and faith in the Word of God. To overcome infertility and miscarriage.

HOW CAN WE CONNECT WITH YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA? PLEASE ADD EMAIL ADDRESS, WEBSITES, SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES?

Instagram: helpforinfertility Youtube : HelpForInfertilityVAnusionwu Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/veronica.anusionwu helpforinfertility.comV

lwhhealingcentre.com Masterclasses Help for female Infertility https://helpforinfertilitymasterclass.com/

God Has Not Forgotten You https://lwhhealingcentre.com/god-has-not-forgotten-you/

End Miscarriage And Embrace A full term baby http://endmiscarrage.com/

Email: v@helpforinfertility.com

For the person out there, who believes they have something great to give to the world. You will need to push beyond human ability to fulfil your God-given dream. You will absolutely and unquestionably need to rely on God’s Supernatural Powers. And He will be there for you at every turn. Only God knows how many tears I have cried. Even before a service, I often cry and wipe my eyes and go on to preach. Many a time, if I were moving in human strength, I would not even show up. If you are ready to do all you know to do, the superpower hand of God will carry you to your destination in His own time, in Jesus’ mighty name. In closing

I would like to express my gratefulness to MY STORY THE MAGAZINE for giving me the opportunity to share my story. It has been a joy for me to partake in this interview

Hello My Story! My name is Dr. Crystal Lewis. I am a motivational speaker, author, and mentor with a mission to inspire & impart strategies to overcome mental obstacles and fully walk in the destiny God has in store. I love to writing as a result I recently authored my book, “The Diamond Formation,” where I discuss the difficulties in my life that brought so much joy in the end and what tools we can apply to move beyond the challenges life presents.

The highest point in my life would have to be the day I graduated with my PhD! I was walking down the aisle about to be hooded by my Advisor there were so many emotions taking place. By this point my journal articles were approved and I received many awards for the research that gave me so much pain! It was a day of praise to God for the victory that He won! My heart was filled with gratitude and joy knowing that God is truly who He says He is. A waymaker and a miracle worker! The lowest point of my life took place in my third year of graduate school. In my book, I mention a time where I was under a lot of psychological pressure. I was constantly being told that my communication skills were horrible, that I wasn’t a good writer, and I should just give up and finish with my Master’s. My spirit was being weakened due to the negative criticism on a daily basis. So by the time I broke a $500,000 microscope, I felt as though God had truly let me down. I had been trying to fight feelings of depression for a while, though I cried every Sunday night at the thought of going to school the following Monday morning. But the day I broke the microscope, I felt that I broke mentally as well. In that moment, I said out loud "Life would be better than this" and instantly my body began to cringe. I've had many turning point experiences in my life, but one that remains most prominent was the day I realized I couldn't attend medical school due to low MCAT scores. While I was at an internship at Ohio State University, I had a dream. In the dream, I was in the Provost's office where he told me that I wasn't accepted into the medical program. When I asked him why he said that my MCAT scores were too low. The next day, I would receive my MCAT scores and indeed it was low scores. It was a turning point because it led me to explore PhD programs in Chemistry. At this point, I was developing a love for this area of science and ultimately it would lead me to work for the cosmetic industry. There are so many influential people who have inspired me so it's certainly hard to pick only one. Women such as my mother, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama and Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts have all been very influential role models. By far my mentor Tera Carissa Hodges who provided me with so many key strategies that helped me solidify my vision and ultimately publish my book has played a huge role in my life. I've learned that life may not go as planned, but as long as God is in control His plans will far surpass even your dreams for yourself. I'm learning to trust Him even when I can't seem to trace his footsteps. I'm most proud of my book "The Diamond Formation" as it has provided healing for myself and others. It is a testament to God and how challenges have made me stronger as the Diamond God has called us to be. What motivates me is my passion for individuals finding their purpose and living out that purpose. When you are in alignment with what God has called you to do, it will have struggles but it also brings unspeakable joy! Run your race, don’t look to the left or to the right. Silence your inner critic and speak up if need be. Don’t use the energy you have to focus on negative situations. In my experience, the more I focused on the negative the more frequent negative circumstances became. The more positive I became, the more my life reflected that change. In terms of my career background, I have a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry and currently work as a Formulation Scientist for a personal care company in Massachusetts. I've also co-founded the movement God's Investors that is geared to helping young men and women to have a deeper relationship with God through blog writing.

Right now I will be hosting a Prayer Conference for the women in the New England region (The Verve Hotel Natick, MA) this year. It is our goal to come and petition to our Father believing that by His power all bondage and strongholds are broken! If you would like to join us you can register you can on my website.

website at www.crystalslewis.com

facebook: www.facebook/DrCSLewis

My Twitter @DrCSLewis

Instagram @ms_cslewis Thank you for inviting me to share my story on your platform! This interview has reawakened my vision to inspire men and women to pursue their dreams and live their life as God intended for them.

My name is Shalon Barnett. I am a reinvention specialist, inspirational speaker, and an author. I help women transition from hopeless to hopeful through renewing your mind, transforming your life, and living your purpose. I am co-owner of a retail pharmacy. I am married with four children and I enjoy living a purposeful life.

My high point in life is this very moment. I truly understand the scripture Jeremiah 29:11. Thirteen years ago, when I was accused of a crime and arrested in the public eye. I lost all my material possessions, but I did not lose my life. I truly wanted to give up, but I had a snapshot of what my life could be and I trusted God to mend all my broken pieces. I am so grateful that I have a God that loves me so much that although I felt alone he showed me signs along the way that he was there.

Several years ago I found myself in a low place. I had recently been accused of a fraud and arrested in a public way. When my mugshot ended up on the local news channel I just knew I could not survive that. I was from a very small town and all it took was one person to see and it and then it was the talk of the town. That happened in that order. All my insecurities that I was masking with fancy clothes and shoes came to the surface and I was left to deal with on my own at least I thought. I remember choosing the day I would end my life and being so sure that it was no other way. As I sat on the floor with tears streaming my face, my eyes full of water I saw plain as day a vision of myself standing a stage. As I saw the people I realized I had a child I would leave behind if I went through such selfish act, but I also saw God’s face showing me a glimpse of my purpose.

The turning point believe it or not was when I spent 19 days in jail. At first I thought it would be a quick in and out. I was use to that. I realized I had been so busy trying to create a life I desired that I never once sat down to really consult my maker. For the first time I was not in control of the situation therefore it forced me to learn some valuable lessons. While learning the lessons I was able to really see myself. My real self. My flaws, my mistakes, my decisions, and most importantly my character. That was the beginning of my journey to make some real lasting changes in my life.

I have a few influential people in my life that have guided me through the early chapters of my life story, my son has to the greatest influence. He gave me hope when I could not see it for myself.

That every situation I found myself in that I was the root cause. We all have choices and there comes consequences from the choices we make. So when life seemed extremely hard it was a decision somewhere down the line I made to get me that hardship.

How God turned my pain into purpose to help other women thrive through giving them hope and providing housing. God preserved me for purpose.

What are your motivations:

My children.

Map of survival:

Renew your mind, Transform your life, and Live your Purpose.

I have a Non-profit organization named Shalon’s Hope where I provide residential services to women in transition.

Do you have any present or future projects?

I have a quarterly luncheon called “Platform for Hope” where I provide a platform for women to share their stories of Hope.

How can we connect with you on social media?

FB: shalonbarnett

Instagram: @shalonbarnett

Linkedin: shalonbarnett

PLEASE BRIEFLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF, SO THE READERS CAN GET TO KNOW YOU? My name is Brooke Thrupp I am a 21 year old psychological science student who will be graduating end of 2020, I also am studying equine assisted therapy planning to be done by end of 2020 and currently working as an equine therapist assistant in Tamworth NSW. While being put on hold with work due to Covid 19 I started a mental health and wellness platform called Btsbms. This platform is a blog that aims to educate people on mental health and wellness through my personal experience living with depression plus my training in psyc science. I also allow people to share their stories through a feature page to encourage others to do the same. I have just introduced online life coaching as a part of btsbms and already have interested clients. Btsbms is a place where we make mental heath exist together.

HIGH POINT I have had many highs in my life and many lows as does every other human being. I was only 14 yrs old when I was introduced to a man named Tony Ernst. Tony is a world class horseman and is known for his communication techniques between people and horses using his Thai chi experience to do so. Tony introduced me to the idea of equine assisted therapy at a young age when I volunteered at one of his clinics where he had a group of juvenile justice kids participating. I also in ways got to help and participate as tony was using some of our horses for the clinic. I had never seen anything like this work done before and it really opened my eyes and broadened my thinking about psychology. This is the moment I knew exactly what I wanted to do in life. The feeling of seeing such confused and aggressive filled individuals progress through a two day program and come out at the end seeming like complete different individuals was the most inspiring moment to this date.

LOW POINT As mentioned I am a survivor or a mental illness myself. I was diagnosed with depression twice in my life. Once as a young child as the result of my fathers death and then only recently as a young adult for what reasons triggered it I am still unsure. I first began feeling physically ill but after numerous doctors appointments and blood tests I was diagnosed with depression for the second time. I was soon medicated a week after diagnosis and the side effects period made me feel worse than what I already was. Some days I couldn’t remove myself from a fetal position because I couldn’t do anything but cry. The fact of being depressed made me feel more depressed. I started worrying who would stick around and who it would all be too much for.

TURNING POINT Slowly i started integrating my own strategies into my recovery and each day got easier until I felt completely myself again. During the depression period this is when I began making the plan for btsbms. It wasn’t until I had recovered and lost my job that it became a reality but my overall picture for it was to give to those what I wish I could of had during my mental illness. I started thinking about my future where I was headed and what I really wanted to do. My end goal is to start my own equine assisted therapy business when I eventually own my own property but in order to fund this I plan to make btsbms my full time business in the near future.

WHO WAS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? During all of this I had many people who surrounded me with love and support there is not one person I can single out that was there more than others but my mother and best friend were a big part in helping me through the tough days. They saw me and helped me through my worst. I also have an extremely understanding boyfriend who lives away from me but helped where he could and stood by me the whole time.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THESE LIFE EXPERIENCES ? From these experiences I’ve learnt that giving yourself time and love is honestly one of the most important things. I don’t ever think that things shouldn’t happen, everything happens for a reason. Sometimes what happens is horrible and unbearable but the outcome that is made is supposed to be the reason for it all. Maybe my reason was Btsbms.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUDEST OF ?

I am most proud of myself. Without my own encouragement everyday and pushing myself to do things that I thought were impossible sometimes I wouldn’t of recovered so quickly or had the mind frame that I do now.

WHAT KEEP YOU INSPIRED AND WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE UNINSPIRED? I find little things every day that keep me inspired. My end goal, my horses, my family but really it’s me. I inspire myself.

WHAT WISDOM WOULD YOU LIKE TO OFFER AS A SURVIVAL MAP TO OTHER WOMEN?

If I had to offer others a piece of wisdom as a survival map I would say if you don’t have a goal or a healthy routine you NEED to make one. These are the things that drive us to get up everyday and continue through our day with a purpose at the end.

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION OR BUSINESS AND WHY?

I am a student still, but I am currently life coaching/ blogging with a goal at the end of 2020 I will be a qualified equine assisted therapist.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE PROJECTS?

My present project of btsbms is something that is going to hopefully help me find my end project of starting my equine assisted therapy business.

EMAIL: Btsbmsblog@gmail.com

WEBSITE: www.Btsbmsblog.com

INSTAGRAM: @btsbms

FACEBOOK: btsbms

PLEASE BRIEFLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF, SO THE READERS CAN GET TO KNOW YOU? * First things first, yes my name rhymes and yes it is my real name lol. I love to laugh, and am passionate about helping people to be their best selves. I'm the Founder/CEO and Empowerment Strategist of Wherry Consultations, LLC, where I specialize in empowering women and youth to rise from their pain in order to live inspired and transformed. I am also the author of two books, an inspirational novel titled Walking Through the Pain, and a daily devotional titled Overcome Pain in 21 Days.

HIGH POINT Please describe a moment in your life that stands out as an especially positive experience.

July 22, 2012 will always be a special day for me because it was the first time that I experienced the miraculous healing of God. In February of 2012, while working an overnight shift at work, I fell on black ice in the parking lot. I would later find out that I had a herniated disc in my back and a labral tear in my right hip, and was scheduled to have hip surgery in addition to multiple back procedures. I was in constant, indescribable pain, and unable to walk without the assistance of a cane. I was out of work for several months, and honestly, was depressed and very angry with God. Between the pain medicine not working, the sleepless nights, and struggling to complete the simplest of tasks, I didn't understand why God would allow my life to fall apart, just when things seemed to be coming together. And while God did not immediately reveal the full "why", I knew that this time in my life was not a punishment from God.

On July 21, 2012 I cried so much that I wondered if I would ever be able to cry again. I couldn't take the pain anymore. The next day, Sunday July 22nd, I woke up and could barely move. I was also extremely tired due to only getting a few hours of sleep. Because of what I experienced back in 2007, I knew that I had to push my way to church because it literally was a matter of life or death.

Although I was late, I made it in time for the sermon. As my pastor stood to preach, he begin giving an exhortation. The Spirit was so high, and everyone present was praising and shouting - except me. I stood watching everyone, tears streaming down my face because of the pain I was in. As I sat down, my spirit aching just as much as my body, I prayed: 'God, take this pain away. I can't take it anymore'. As I was praying, I heard my Pastor continuing with his exhortation to the church. He said, "There's a release in the atmosphere!" And as soon as I finished my simple prayer, God spoke to my spirit and said "You have been released!" I immediately started running laps around the church, praising God!

The next day, i went in for my scheduled physical therapy appointment. As I told my physical therapist about my miracle, all of the clients and staff in the room stopped to listen. What amazed my therapist the most was the fact that at my last appointment just three days prior, I had to leave early due to being in so much pain. I left that appointment completely disheartened because I was scared that I would never recover from my injuries. For the next month following my healing, I was able to tell so many people about Jesus and the miracle that I had experienced. In addition to that, my back and hip surgeries were both cancelled! It was during this time that God revealed why He allowed all of this to happen - it was simply for His glory to be revealed through my story.

LOW POINT Please tell us about a time you didn't know if you would make it.

In August of 2007 I attempted to take my life. I had lost my job, was in a toxic relationship, and issues from my past resurfaced that I thought I had dealt with. I felt like the world would be better without me, and I was tired of being tormented mentally and emotionally. I went to the store one Saturday night and purchased a bottle of extra strength Tylenol. The next morning, I decided not to go to church. I was depressed, and had no desire to be around people. That afternoon, I begin taking the pills, two at a time until the bottle was empty. I took about 30 pills in all. I laid down to go to sleep and figured that I would be dead in about an hour. About 10 minutes after taking the pills, I begin to question if I made the right decision. I then realized that if I died, I would never know if happiness was truly possible. I called 911, and was admitted to the hospital overnight. Several of the staff that were assigned to my case were Christians, and spoke to me about hope. I was discharged the next day and my healing process truly began.

TURNING POINT

My turning point was my 2007 suicide attempt. It was a really low time in my life, and I was quite embarrassed that I, a Christian, had attempted suicide. I realized that I needed to take time to truly heal and address the pain in my life. That included counseling, restoring my faith in God, and learning what it really meant to be a follower of Christ. A lot of my disappointment and frustration at the time stemmed from me thinking that since I was a "good Christian", my life should be easy. But Jesus says that anyone that follows him must deny themselves and carry their cross. Understanding that suffering for God's glory is a part of being a Christian was instrumental to me healing from the pain I had experienced in my life.

WHO WAS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE?

My mother is definitely the most influential person in my life. My mother has endured so much, but she never gave up. She made sure that I knew who God was and pushes me to be the best that I can be. My mother is a woman of faith; is very creative, she has a great sense of humor; and is such a giver. She is full of wisdom, and I know that I can count on her for anything that I need. I am, because she is.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THESE LIFE EXPERIENCES ?

I learned that I must never lose hope, that God is my source, and that all things work together for my good.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUDEST OF ?

At this point in my life, I am most proud of the two books that I have published. I've wanted to be a published author since i was in high school, so to see that dream become a reality is pretty cool. I am thankful that God uses both of my books to help people to heal from their pain, and to restore their hope.

WHAT KEEP YOU INSPIRED AND WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE UNINSPIRED? My motivation is pleasing God and maximizing all that He has placed within me.

WHAT WISDOM WOULD YOU LIKE TO OFFER AS A SURVIVAL MAP TO OTHER WOMEN?

Romans 8;28 which says that ALL THINGS work together for good to them that love God, and answer His call to purpose. So no matter what you have experienced, believe that God can, and will use it for your good, which includes your purpose being fulfilled. Don't allow your pain to run you away from purpose, allow pain to run you towards purpose. And never love anything or anyone more than God. God must be your source, your desire, and your priority in everything that you do.

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION OR BUSINESS AND WHY?

I am a speaker, trainer and author because that is what God has gifted me to do. I truly enjoy empowering others to meet their educational, professional, personal, and spiritual goals.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE PROJECTS? In addition to my books, I also have an online course, Walking Through the Pain: Practical Steps to Emotional Wellness.

The course and books can be found on my website at sherrywherry.com/product.

HOW CAN WE CONNECT WITH YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA? Email: Sherry@SherryWherry.com

Website: sherrywherry.com

Instagram @Sherry_Wherry

Twitter @Sherry_Wherry

Facebook page: Sherry C. Wherry.

#REVAHART #MYSTORYTHEMAGAZINE

#WOMENBLOG

#LIFESTYLEBLOG

#CHRISTIAN #FAITH #SHERRYWHERRY #HEALING

PLEASE BRIEFLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF, SO THE READERS CAN GET TO KNOW YOU? * My name is Jalisia Boxill, Barbados based, Jesus lover, with a passion for seeing women walk into the fullness of the purpose of God for their lives. Single until God opens the doors of marriage and no children as yet. Founder & CEO of Girls Night Out Empowerment a space for women and girl to come together to ignite Purpose, Dreams and Faith.

HIGH POINT * Immediately what comes to my mind is the day that I received the infilling of the Holy Spirit and spoke in unknown tongues. I was at a deliverance service at the church I grew up in, a small church on the corner road in the beautiful island of Barbados, a Prophetess from Trinidad was hosting a deliverance service there and while she was praying for me; I heard the voice of the Lord speaking inside of me in a language I didn't know, she said to me I know you can hear him speaking to you, you've been watching me for the whole night, you desire the Holy Spirit very bad, repeat what you are hearing, upon hearing her confirm that I wasn't going crazy, all the fear of sounding stupid if I try to repeat what I am hearing left my mind, my tongue was loosed, I began to speak like if this was my second language. It was the most thrilling, liberating, joyous experience of my life. The fact that the Holy Spirit was in me, I heard him, he spoke through me. Wow! I was around 16 or 17 at the time.

LOW POINT * At 19, I moved out from under my Mother's roof and became rebellious, this was the lowest my life sunk, I grew up in church and loved the things of the Lord but they were just some things in my life I couldn't understand. The lack of understanding the call of God on my life coupled with struggling with the spirit of rejection. I grew up in a fatherless home and the void of not having my earthly dad really wounded me. I was angry with God because my life seemed to be way more harder than it should of been. I ended up in abusive relationships, partying, drinking, mistreating my body. Searching for a love that I could only find in God. It was not easy for me to trust people or open up to them, imagine the mess I felt on the inside. I felt like I was not worthy of love and so began the downward spiral.

TURNING POINT * Let me tell you something: when the hand of God is on your life, it is on your life and there is nothing that you can do to change it. I completely misunderstood the power of a praying mother, while I was out being rebellious my mom was praying all along. See, I was the child she offered to God, the first fruit, I was a tithe unto God so whether I liked it or not the plan of God for my life HAD to come forth. At age 21 I fell into a downward spiral, I was depressed, suicidal, sickness was attacking my body, the pain was becoming worse, I knew that the life I was living was not the answer, I was so broken, I called my mom in tears, attended a prayer meeting the following week and re-committed my life to God.

WHO WAS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? * My mother because she's always been a fervent woman of prayer. She raised me to know God for myself. A saying I will pass on to my children.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THESE LIFE EXPERIENCES ? *

You can never run from the call of God on your life, its always best to surrender. I kept running and running and running. This is just part of my testimony a testament of answering the call of God on my life though unorthodox call. This is why I am so passionate to help women like myself, find a safe space to discover and understand purpose. And why I keep highlighting you can never run from the call of God on your life. His orchestrated plan will manifest. It's easier when you surrender.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUDEST OF ? * I boast in the fact that I am finally living in a state of peace. When you've passed through many trouble waters and couldn't seem to find your way out, through the discovery of peace becomes the proudest, most precious and dearest thing to you. All I am and have is because of God. The ability to dream, laugh, and love again is a testament of the power of God. I am full of hope and it is all because of God.

WHAT ARE YOUR MOTIVATIONS? *

The word of God is my biggest motivation. Keeping my thoughts in alignment to the truth of God's word. Practicing and living by the word. Yes, the word of God on a whole. I cannot stress enough how knowing God's word has kept me and delivered me.

WHAT WISDOM WOULD YOU LIKE TO OFFER AS A SURVIVAL MAP TO OTHER WOMEN? What the enemy means for evil God will turn around for your good. This has been the constant reminder in my life, though you may not understand the pain you feel right now, know that there is deep revelation in your pain and it will be healing for someone else. Your cross may feel heavy right now but in the end it will bring about hope and freedom to many.

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION OR BUSINESS AND WHY? *

My life has took me to the place of coaching women so I have founded the platform Girls' Night Out Empowerment to do just that. This is my main focus right now as God unearths many other things, I see how all will be useful and contribute tremendously to the work that I will do with women. I deeply want to help women learn how to navigate their own unorthodox paths. 

DO YOU HAVE ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE PROJECTS? We are currently planning our Annual Dream Again Conference for the end of 2020. This conference will help women to ignite lost dreams, experience the healing power of God, birth new ideas and learn how to warfare over your God-given dreams. I am a firm believer that destiny requires training and a safe space. They are many women who still don't understand or know how to turn their mess into a message and I want to do my part in helping women break barriers to reach destiny.

HOW CAN WE CONNECT WITH YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA? *

Instagram: @girlsnightoutinc @jalisiaboxill

Email: gnobds@gmail.com

LASTING THOUGHTS ? My life has encountered many dark roads, so I don't fully shed light on but it was indeed liberating to share with you. I believe we need more spaces where we can highlight the healing power of God, speak boldly about all he's done for us especially on social media and just Have unashamed to share our truth. Thank you for allowing me to share a part of my story. #MYSTORYTHEMAGAZINE #REVAHART #POWER #EMPOWER #TESTIMONY #WOMENINSPIRTATION #INTERVIEWS #WOMENBLOG #BLOGGER

PLEASE BRIEFLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF, SO THE READERS CAN GET TO KNOW YOU? * Hi I’m Shanetta a Mom of 3 boys I’ve been a Nurse for 23 years. I’m a CEO/Founder of Justice Strong Sista’s an Organization for Abused Women! I personally go out in the Community and give back feed the homeless etc. I am a Survivor of Domestic Violence myself I’m happily in love with myself & on my healing Journey

HIGH POINT * Some may think it’s not a achievement but to me it is. Having the courage after 20 plus years to break my silence of being Molested at the age of 12 years old was the most Life changing moment in my entire life. In Dec 2018 I could not hide it anymore and I was fed up with taking my pain and anger out on the people around me!! So I can remember it like the back of my hand My Aunt felt it was something going wrong with me and she asked “Baby what is really going on with you” And that night my Life changed! I told her a family member had molested me when I was 12. It was definitely breathtaking I didn’t want to tell or hurt anyone but I had been living in Pain for way too long since I was a child I’m now an adult with kids of my own and I want to live life without this secret being held over my head. So now I am a Survivor of Child Molestation and Domestic Violence This was a very difficult time in my life my body changed my mind and soul It was definitely trying for me and my kids But God blessed me with the strength to be able to stand strong in the midst of a Storm! And my Storm has turned into Victory. God said be patient and I am this healing journey Isn’t pretty but for damn sure worth the peace & mind!! Along the way I’ve met an awesome handsome guy he came into my life when I was going through a very bad breakup with my ex fiancé and I was stressed out my health was bad and he was there for me since day one when my car broke down! He never turned his back on me. My oldest son we have become so much closer we talk about everything he has really grown into a Young Respectful Man He makes sure his mom is alright. I’ve gained more confidence and trust with myself my relationship with my kids is phenomenal. So even threw the bad things I’ve gained I’m a CEO/Founder of an Organization I’m a Business Owner Of course I still work but I enjoy my life I love who I am Right now!

LOW POINT * When me and my kids had to live in a shelter I was married at the time and things got rough and hard for us both. I literally thought to myself how are u go live in a shelter with your kids but I did it and don’t regret it at all. We lived in a shelter for about 4 months I worked my butt off I had a 12 hour job and a 8 hour job I was tired all the time but I kept pushing for my kids to make sure every dollar was saved to find us a home! Living in a shelter was one of the most horrible things to be forced to live in It’s rules it’s crazy people it’s drug addicts all around your kids. I’m blessed to have had my husband cause he kept them safe when I wasn’t able to He would have to sleep in the floor with them because they didn’t allow the kids to sleep in his room talk about dedication and Love. We had our ups & downs but that Man rest his soul in peace he held us down the best way he knew how!

TURNING POINT * I came out publicly about being molested in December of 2018 I started a Facebook group and when I seen the response to these women stories I said I would never let another women as long as I live think she is Alone! So me helping other women with getting their life together or giving them encouragement to Survive and just to be able to hold their hand through tough times was a eye opener for me I said to myself it’s time to change your perspective of life right now! And I did just that

WHO WAS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? * My Oldest Son

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THESE LIFE EXPERIENCES ?

To have a Voice and Believe & Love yourself First

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUDEST OF ? * My Accomplishments of becoming a Business Woman And changing Women Lives from them hearing my Story

WHAT ARE YOUR MOTIVATIONS? * I think back on my Struggle and where I’m at know I push myself and even when I am getting depressed the Love my kids and significant other gives me they pull me right back together as a team they love me and I love them

WHAT WISDOM WOULD YOU LIKE TO OFFER AS A SURVIVAL MAP TO OTHER WOMEN?

To always be True to yourself! Love and Respect the person that is looking at you back in the mirror! Stand Strong in the midst of a Storm lean on God for understanding with any situation that may come your way! You have a Voice use it wisely

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION OR BUSINESS AND WHY? * I’m a Women’s Advocate for Domestic Violence Survivors I didn’t choose to do this like I choose Nursing this Passion is something that came naturally and I didn’t know I had such a strong feelings about it until I wasn’t silent anymore

DO YOU HAVE ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE PROJECTS? * I’m writing a book about my healing Journey! I am also looking forward to starting a Foundation for kids without Dads My boys father has passed away I know all to well how it is for a single parent

HOW CAN WE CONNECT WITH YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA? * Instagram- @msjustice.sis Instagram business @jsista329

Facebook business @Justice JQueen

Email- justicesisorg@gmail.com

www.justicesis.org

Hi my name is Shonnell Pleshette. I’m the owner of Wisedominion Professional Coaching. Which specializes in Personal, Interpersonal, Wellness, Beauty and Business coaching. I started my coaching business in August of 2018 with one goal in mind, to help as many people as I could in as many areas as I could. I was Born in Los Angeles California, South Central to be exact. Growing up in the Hood wasn’t always pleasant, and 1988 proved to be the worse year ever.  When I was about 8 years old, my Aunt (18) went to the store, and that was the last time we saw her. She never returned home to the room we shared at my grandparents house. After her disappearance life wasn’t the same. Of course, being the youngest the over-protection levels went ALL the way up. And sadness and depression became a family theme.

I couldn’t leave the house without everyone acting as if I would never return. So, as a teenager I completely rebelled. Drugs, drinking and the streets became my solution, until my son was born, my saving grace. God knew exactly how to get me back on track, We were good, but by 2010 we would  receive a call that would bring everything to a head. That year we found out a serial killer dubbed the "Grimm Sleeper" was responsible for the disappearance of my Aunt. My family went from over 20 years with no answers to 6 more years of waiting, three and a half months of trial, and one day of jury deliberation, for her killer to be sentenced to death on August 10th, 2016 – about 27 years after my Aunt Alicia was murdered. This traumatic event, the pressure it caused and it's lengthy process had left me with a choice to make. I could allow this situation to completely break me or make me. I wasn’t about to let it break me so what would it make me? I could only attend a few of the hearings. No one knew but I was slowly losing my mind. I was angry. The wounds, the hurt, the abandonment, the loss, it all came back. I didn’t understand. I was happy he was caught but sad I was now re-living the 80 ’s all over again, or so it seemed. I had shut down, my personal life was a shamble and unforgiveness seemed the easiest choice.

Naturally my family wanted the maximum punishment, but here I was asking myself why don’t I feel like everyone else does? Am I wrong for not feeling how they feel? The disappearance, and murder of my aunt coupled with the capture and sentence of her killer pressed me. All I could think was how do I forgive this man? How do you forgive someone like this? Hes murdered countless others too, we weren’t the only family suffering. I questioned everything. Gods love, His grace, mercy etc. Can a person really truly help others with unforgiveness in their heart? Could I? How can I work with people if I don’t trust them? Only God could help me navigate this because at this point the enemy had come through like a tornado and nothing was making sense anymore. It wasn’t until God sent a word reminding me that my purpose hadn’t changed. Circumstances did but not my assignment which was to create opportunity for change.

All of a sudden God had become so tangible to me. All those years of pain positioned me right at his feet and I went from being torn to being healed and ignited to turn my pain into purpose. Birthing my coaching business after all that was hard labor and there is still much work to do. Did/Do I forgive my Aunts killer? YES, you may say well I don’t believe it’s that easy to just forgive someone like that, and you’re correct. It wasn’t easy, But when you’ve been forgiven much it teaches how to forgive much. Plus my story isn’t about things being easy or happening over night. You’ll probably meet a lot of people in this life who will testify about how much God has given them, but today my testimony is simple, God brought me through the roughest times in my life, He gave me value and showed me the best route to personal success and healing lies in ones ability to seek Him for themselves. He's given me a lot but to know Him and Him to know me is worth so much more. I also learned the importance of not allowing His word  and instructions to become cliché. I could give you a list of about 100 steps to “happiness” but honestly for me there was and is only one way to true joy healing and forgiveness and that’s through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Website: www.wisedominion.com

Email: shonnell@wisedominion.com

Instagram: @wisedominion

#WISEDOMINION #REVAHART #MYSTORYTHEMAGAZINE #WOMENBLOG #LIFESTYLEBLOG #CHRISTIAN #FAITH #HEALING #NARRAITIVEHEALING

You’re probably familiar with the idea of sharing your goals publicly. You announce to the world that you’re going to lose 20 pounds, learn Mandarin, or take a trip to Tahiti over next Christmas.

It’s common advice, but is it good advice?

Opinions vary on the subject. As with most things, it depends on the person.

Pros of Sharing Your Goals

Sharing your goals publicly has several advantages:

1. It makes you more accountable. The most compelling argument for sharing your goals is being held accountable by your peers. It's a little easier to let yourself down than it is to face public ridicule.

● Most of us are concerned with how we appear to others, so sharing your goals can add extra incentive to accomplish them.

1. It makes your goals real. Most of us keep our goals inside, which keeps them less tangible. Once you put them out there for the whole world to see, your goals are transformed from a mere thought to something real.

1. It keeps you focused. The fear of failing publicly has a way of focusing your attention. If you routinely have trouble focusing, sharing your goals could prove to be helpful.
2. You stay motivated. Your motivation is likely to stay higher when you share your goals. Sustained motivation is a challenge for most people.

There’s no doubt that goal-sharing looks good on paper and has several advantages. Peer pressure can be a powerful thing. Who doesn’t want to look successful in front of the gang?

Cons of Sharing Your Goals

On the other hand, sharing your goals might be detrimental to your success.

See how:

1. Does sharing make you more preoccupied with what others think? A fully developed, emotionally healthy person isn’t too concerned with the opinions of others. If you find yourself preoccupied with what othe people think, that might be something you want to address.
2. Others are likely to sabotage you. While there are a few people that truly have your best interests at heart, many do not. Some of these people might even be among your closest friends and family members. Many people want you to do well, just not better than they’re doing.

● When you share big goals and are successful, you force others to look at themselves. People feel the need to justify their own shortcomings, which is uncomfortable. It’s easier to discourage you than to explain why they’re not as successful as you’re trying to be.

● This discouragement can seem harmless, but it isn’t. A simple statement like, “Are you sure you want to run a marathon? Don’t you have bad feet? I’d rather spend the time with my children instead of spending it running,” can really take the wind out of your sails.

Announcing your goals can clearly have negative consequences, too. It can depend on the people you have in your social circle. It also depends on your basic nature. Are you easily discouraged?

While many self-help gurus are in favor of sharing your goals, science disagrees. Several studies have shown that sharing your goals publicly makes you less likely to accomplish them.

The praise you receive for announcing your goals can actually sap your motivation to continue.

So, should you share your goals publicly or keep them to yourself? It depends on you. Try it both ways and see which way supports you more effectively.

#blogger #goalsetting #Goals #womenempowerment #womanimprovement #storygoals

PLEASE BRIEFLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF, SO THE READERS CAN GET TO KNOW YOU? *

Greetings,  my name is Delma Garcia-Montanez and I am a rare breed that defies the culture through divine empowerment through prayer. I take great pride in being a prayer eagle, mother, student, wealth manager, author, fashion enthusiast, lifestyle designer, liturgical dancer, and recovering shopaholic.  As a child, I was always too cool for the nerds and too nerdy for the streets. I think it was because of how unorthodox my elementary years were. I attended a public school but the teachers were Catholic nuns. I am an extrovert who prioritizes introverted moments for self-care. Some would say I am a Hispanic Pentecostal rebel with a Soho vibe.

HIGH POINT My greatest redefining moment took place in July Of 2016 that summer I came to the end of myself. Lost of marriage, home, and child. Society would say that this was not a positive experience but I bare to differ. The occasion birthed a greater version of me. Without it, my covenant with God may have never taken center stage. You see I merely had a form and a fashion of Godliness. I volunteered to work in the nursery on Sundays, cleaned the pews on weekdays, vacuumed the rugs on Saturdays, danced, paid tithes, gave offerings, read the bible, but I was bitterly angry with God. However, turns out that my days in Hell was how the Holy Spirit orchestrated a reconciliation with my first true love. It was own personal plan of redemption.

LOW POINT It all began on a cold winter night in February.  Foolishly I thought that marriage would yield life's greatest benefit. However,  mine was a struggle from day one.  The union produced a cycle of what I call never-ending affliction.  Secrets, lies, gossip, profanity, violence, manipulation, drugs, and poverty. To be radically truthful I felt lonelier in marriage than in my single broke days. Still, my child-like faith believed that prayer alone could change things but nothing was further from the truth. The lessons one learns in a covenant such as mine are rarely taught because they are not glamorous. It’s safe to say that I was one of the most motivated and determined intercessor on the planet.  Read every Stormey Omartian prayer and made certain to complete the workbooks concerning marriage. Yet, I failed to realize that humans have free will. My heart had been broken and the weight of trying to protect my family and reputation was beyond my control.  I ran past every red flag and was unevenly yoked.  Although the warning signs were everywhere and I professed Christianity.  Infidelity took a great toll on me. I'm still uncertain if what exactly traumatized me the most.  Was it the adultery or learning how many of my in laws  co-signed the betrayal?  But I should’ve known better because things were rocky while we were shacking up. I waited 8 years and he didn't even invite his family members to our wedding ceremony and even went as far as requesting that I not wear the second hand wedding gown that my father and I picked out.   The gaslighting became worst with the passing of time and honestly I  didn't even trust my own judgement. Somehow I knew it wasn’t a good thing but codependency told me I was the one to blame.  The sole proprietor of my own agony and the reason why I contracted a sexually transmitted disease. The pain can only be described as unbearable. It hurt so bad that my bones ached and the humiliation overwhelmed me with shame. Now, don't miss understand me I was no saint before marriage.  I dated other men during the off and on phases. Yet, marriage to me was sacred and being raised in a home where domestic violence was the norm. I learned co-dependency at an early age and believed that if I could just put the past behind me things would change. If only I were a better wife, mother, and daughter than God would bless me and he meaning my husband would learn to do right by me.  I thought if only I could get in good graces with his family they would at the least support and protect our covenant. However, the harder I tried the worst things became.  One could say I was the villain and the victim.  My husband would visit with his family without me and had really long telephone conversations with mine. The extravagant extrovert (me) found consolation in sentencing  herself to imprisonment in a luxurious master bedroom.  In truth it was my panic room. Within months I became suicidal and heavily addicted to Xanax. You  see speaking  up and defending myself was considered abusive behavior. 

If I asked any questions. I was interrogating him an that would lead to the opening of new bank account or new Instagram profile.  My fighting  back literally recreated  the screens from my childhood but  this time around. I wasn’t the frighten child that fought for her mother’s safety. Now, I was the aggressor fighting to prove her sanity.  My days consisted of recording conversations taking pictures, and cyberstalking just to prove what I already knew to be true.   The successful, strong, intelligent, adventuresome go-getter’s identity had been stolen. I lived to prove that a handful of individuals were not good people but to no avail. The sadness was that the assailants all had alibis that my immediate circle seemed desperate to believe.

TURNING POINT Vaguely, I remembered reading a post on Instagram that stated "when people invest in their future with the capital of your demise. Bankrupt them! It was a divine awaking.  It was my strategy for survival.  If indeed I was to blame for this vicious cycle of repetitive  pain.  Than certainly I could assume responsibly and regain my power and with all the forces of darkness already coming against me. Bankruptcy was looming.  After reading that post I made a decision to live and not die.  From that moment forward my thought life had becoming stronger. It was the only leverage I had at the time. So, on a daily basis I began packing a purse with my most precious possessions and I would walk out of our home.   This confident young woman had regressed to a place she had never been. Honestly, up until that point I never realized how paralyzed I was.  No longer did trust my own knowledge. At first, I could only make it to the door.  Than the elevator but within a month I was actually walking blocks. Everyday I push myself to go a little further. Within 90 days I went the movies by myself, started taking public transportation, and began actively seeking employment. Than one glorious day the heaven’s opened up. My spouse walked in with a frightened look upon his face. I gathered that maybe just maybe all his Instagram accounts had been seized.   Childish I know but he would boast about how jealous of his success with gaining a vast large following but no that wasn’t the case. God’s compassion towards me brought us both to a place called rock bottom. Neither of us had anything left. The arrogant man who I had to interrogate for financial information was now neatly laying out proof of his finances. The IRS had garnished his wages. However, my covenant with God had become solid and I wasn't afraid. God and I were a winning team and I knew he wouldn’t leave me or forsake me. This time around my loving Pastor couldn't talk me out of walking away.  The cards being dealt were ugly but I knew if I played with them long enough the deck would change. My expectation was not for a immediate turnaround because the closer I got to divinity through worship and prayer the faster I healed. The Holy Spirit was gently leading me to wholeness. He showed me that although I had the capacity to endure the mental anguish. I also had the authority to stop it. So, I became so focused on survival that .  I actually flipped out on my spiritual father.  Who up until that point been telling me to persevere and believe God. How wrong he was? Finally, I stood up to the man of God  and said our father is a God of order and justice. If a woman is being physically abused the church should prioritize her safety and just because you can not see my scares you keep telling me to persevere and believe God. It’s been 16 years I said.  Your wrong! Dead Wrong! Not many days after that a dazzling dawn was just ahead.  To make a long story short. I went full circle the Lord lead me to places and people where I had once been shattered to recollect  the pieces of my broken soul.   Surprised at how much forgiveness and love my petite body could hold. I slept in my mother’s basement on a loveseat coach and rebuilt my brain with motion. No, she wasn’t a good mother. Yes, she was the same woman who mistreated me as a child but what I saw in her was different. She was no longer a battered bully but a wounded woman just like me. Our difference was that I longed to become better and she settled in her ways.  Within 6 months I became financially independent, moved out, and went on my way to a greater day!

WHO WAS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? * The most influential people in my life were on social media. I didn’t have any role models. Tera Carissa Hodges, Real Talk Kim, and Tiffany Morriar.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THESE LIFE EXPERIENCES ? * I learned that trials are the gateways to promotion. The answers to life’s most perplexing issues are encrypted within our DNA. As women we have been created with the capacity to endure pain but the longevity of it is determined by our decisions. You truly are one decision away from the life you crave.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUDEST OF ? * I am most proud of the fact that I mustered up enough to live and not die. I leveraged myself with an asset called confidence and I’m building my dream life brick by brick. However, I am immensely proud of the fact that after all of the darkness. I still believe in the covenant of marriage and these day I stand beside the women. I once gazed up to in awe.

WHAT ARE YOUR MOTIVATIONS? To one day hear my loving heavenly say “well done my good and faithful servant. You have come to Zion. You have fought a good fight. Delma you ran a good race. The time to favor you has come enter into your rest.”

WHAT WISDOM WOULD YOU LIKE TO OFFER AS A SURVIVAL MAP TO OTHER WOMEN? Prayer without action is just a motivational speech. We become truly powerful once our prayers, thoughts, and actions come into alignment. Unstoppable is the only word to describe it. Last but not least is that walking over broken people is how we get cut. .

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION OR BUSINESS AND WHY?

My profession in financial literacy something we don’t learn in school. The Bible states that money solves all problems. If more woman learned to do the basics in spiritual warfare well. Many of us wouldn’t have to suffer long.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE PROJECTS? Currently, I’m offering an accountability program. It’s an intense high level coaching program. Where I strategically help women rise above the ashes of despair. I pray, fast, teach, and befriend them while stirring up the nest until their confident enough to spread their wings for flight.

LASTING COMMENTS

My story magazine has stretched me. I will never be the same. Writing out my testimony has both surprised and shock me. See while typing I stopped a few times to check my wound and found nothing but a memory. Truly, I am forever grateful. This experience has taught me that my resurrection  should be told. Often I’ve struggle because I don’t want others to see it as revenge. When it’s merely the ingredients to my secret sauce.  However, I’m going to choose and believe that from this moment forward when, where, and how I share my successfully broken story is my gift  back to God.   

HOW CAN WE CONNECT WITH YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA? *

WEBSITE: www.delmagarciamontanez.com

Facebook: Delma Montanez

Twitter: @delmamontanez

Instagram: @delmamontanez

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PLEASE BRIEFLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF, SO THE READERS CAN GET TO KNOW YOU? * Happily single at the moment and loving it. My ministry is called Repairing the work through the word ministry. Im also a psalmist, prophetess and global ambassador. I’m currently an author of 7 books. I am a special education paraprofessional, teacher, writing coach and mentor.

HIGH POINT *

The moment that stands out the most is recently on last month when my Book Falling in love with Jesus became a best seller. It has blessed me to appear on tv radio shows and podcasts. I am just in awe at the greatest of our God and his faithfulness towards me. I remember crying tears of joy because it had been a dream of mine since 7 years old to write books and help people.

LOW POINT *

My lowest point was when I was homeless and struggling. I was homeless for a year living in my car and going from hotel to different homes that people would allow me to stay in. It was very traumatic. I was working on my doctorate degree and I was determined to finish. I spent nights writing in my car determined to finish my dissertation. When I graduated in 2017 it was a dream come true because I knew I had fought hard to finish.

TURNING POINT *

The turning point in my life was seeing the fruit of my hard work for so many years finally start to take off.

WHO WAS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? * God and my sister Tamara Huff who has stuck with me through the thick and thin.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THESE LIFE EXPERIENCES ? * I learned to think of them as a learning experience and to grow and develop to become stronger from it. God always will raise us up from the pit in our lives and he loves us so much. I also learned to never give up on my dreams no matter who says you are not good enough God always sees me as great. I also learned to genuinely love all of my haters.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUDEST OF ? * I’m most proud of my determination to finish everything that I start and to not quit.

WHAT ARE YOUR MOTIVATIONS? * My motivations are that one day I will be in a Ted Talk giving a motivational speech. Also that I will become a New York Times best selling author and just write, Speak and teach all over the world. My last motivation is the many books that I will write that will transform lives for the years to come.

WHAT WISDOM WOULD YOU LIKE TO OFFER AS A SURVIVAL MAP TO OTHER WOMEN? Never give up on yourself. You can start over and begin after a divorce and live life to the fullest. If you are writing a book finish it.

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION OR BUSINESS AND WHY? * Author, speaker and teacher I absolutely love it.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE PROJECTS? *

I’m working on a new podcast, 5 more books, writing songs and creating a wax museum.

HOW CAN WE CONNECT WITH YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA? *

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#THELOVEOFGOD #MYSTORYTHEMAGAZINE #MONIQUEROGERS #HEALING #WOMEN

My name is Elva West I am 49 yrs. old and I am from the south suburbs of Chicago and I was raised by my mother who is a single mother and I am the youngest of her 3 children. God has moved on me over 20 years ago to share my testimony but I didn’t think anyone would ever listen to me.

I had a pretty regular childhood, I lived in a pretty quiet neighborhood and loved to play

double dutch, riding my bike and climbing trees. My brother and sister were both 10 yrs

older than myself so they married and started their families and then there was just my

mom and me. My mother was a hard-working woman. She worked in a steel mill and due

to her going through abusive relationships to her, success meant not depending on a man

so throughout life my view was, make sure you can depend on yourself because that way

you wont get hurt thinking that people would be there for you or have your back. So, as I

got older my mom worked a lot of hours and that of course gave me free reign to do

pretty much what I wanted to do. So that led me into finding myself in relationships early

in life. I lost my virginity at 15 because when you don’t have a foundation or anyone to

teach you the right things and your friends start to tell you what they are doing it make

you not want to feel left out. I met my 1st boyfriend at 15 and he was so handsome to me

(he reminded me of LL Cool J) and this fine boy was giving me all this attention I

quickly fell in love (or what I thought was love smh). Our relationship started very fast

and sex came just as fast. I felt this was love because of the attention that he gave me and

making me feel like I was the only girl in his life that he would love this way. But what I

would find out after our 1 st year of our relationship what I thought was love was jealousy,

control, and abuse.

Back during the mid-80s we didn’t have any language for domestic violence like we do today.

I remember arguing with him and then the argument got so intense that he hit me for the 1 st time! I couldn’t believe it he put his hands on me and this

led to 4 yrs. of abuse. During this time, we had 2 children and he also was abusive to

them as well. His abuse led to him breaking my 6 month old baby’s arm then DCFS got

involved and we started going to counseling and because he was so controlling he would

not allow me to continue to go to the counseling and that would make it look like I was

not cooperating with them and then they stepped in and took my children and they went

to live with my mother and soon after he went to jail for due to a robbery he committed.

That was how I got out of that relationship, but the next phases of my life were just a

repeat of the same cycle.

This then led me to a life of drinking and being promiscuous because that is what got me

attention. So, then I had countless one-night stands with guys while being under the

influence of alcohol and marijuana. As I looked back on my life, I am so humbled

because God was keeping me because he had purpose for me. There were so many days I

would be intoxicated and driving home and not know how I got there that I know there

had to be a God. A lot of nights my girlfriends and I would go out to the clubs and drink

all type of liquor and indulge in what I know now was such a dangerous life style but we

would always end our night somehow in tears talking about how one day we would be

living for the Lord and not living this life.

Shortly after is when I met my 1 st husband. He wasn’t the most attractive guy, but he had

a very good sense of humor. As I moved forward in that relationship, he had a very big

family that was a very toxic bunch smh. They loved to drink and anytime alcohol was

present you best believe they would all be fighting over so many petty things. During this

relationship I had 2 more children. My husband was physically and mentally abusive. I

would be so afraid because most times he would come home he would be so drunk that

he would always start fight with me. He also was unfaithful with different women. I

would find numerous phone numbers in his pocket. Once we lived in Minnesota and I

was coming home from work and being 7 months pregnant I was welcomed to him being

in our apartment and he had another woman in my home. I lived in that relationship for

over 8 yrs.

You may ask why I stayed in those situations and I would ask myself the same thing then

the turning point in my life came when one of my daughters saw him assaulting me and I

would never forget seeing her under the bed closing her eyes. That is when I made the

decision to leave that situation.

I renewed my faith in Jesus Christ and became a born again Christian. I still lived many years unhealed until now. I never realized that even though I was out of those situations physically I had not mentally left those abusive memories.

I lived years thinking I was a failure and not good for anything. But that is why I love my God because he truly pursued me even when I didn’t want Him to. I am happy to say now that I am healing my past and God is showing me my future and what he has called me to do so this is why this opportunities means so very much because it reminds me of the scripture that says “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men (Proverbs 18:16).My gift is to encourage women that are abused to help you to see that you can get out of that situation by trusting God. God has always tried to show me that he had purpose for me, but I had to start to believe it and now I am seeing more clearly what he is wanting me to do. This is just a brief part of my life story, but I hope it encourages and inspires you.

God Bless!

#DOMESTICVIOLENCE #SURVIVOR #EMPOWERMENT #FAITH

FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/elvia.mcdonald

My story began in a small rural town called Evergreen, Alabama. The product of a teen pregnancy.

I was raised by my grandmother until the age of eight. Because of her help and sacrifice mommy finished high school on time and was the first in her family to attend college, pursuing a career as an accountant. She married my daddy too, contrary to what some may have said or thought about their rocky beginning.

They both were raised in church, but after they married and moved to Montgomery they grew much closer to the Lord and joined a holiness church. I felt like I literally lived in church.

I wrote more about those early years in my first book a memoir titled: Pages from My Journal. You should check it out. I had a stable home full of love, material things I needed, trips, and a whole lot of Jesus. Unfortunately I did not think that it was enough. Despite the strict upbringing and spiritual foundation I was given, I became pregnant during my second year of college and dropped out of school. There my folks were working hard to overcome the error of their youth and I chose to go down a similar tumultuous path. I brought a baby into their lives and had no means to take care of myself or her. Although her father was present in her life, I was bitter for a long time because he continued to matriculate through Alabama State University and obtain his degree. I was angry.

Meanwhile I continued to attend church. It wasn’t really optional in my home. I was shamed and put on what was known as a ‘silence’. Basically when on a ‘silence’ you do nothing short of attend worship service. You are not allowed to clap your hands, waive your hands, lift your hands, stand up, or anything that shows participation. I look back and realized that whole experience had significant psychological damage on me and was a huge blow to my self-esteem as though being pregnant and unwed was not enough. Regardless, I had the love of my family so I pulled through.

I continued to work different jobs and eventually decided to go to the military. I think I needed to get away from home and have an opportunity to prove that I was grown. That was a rough chapter in my life as well. I managed to get through Basic Training and school to work as a reservist once per month. In retrospect I met some wonderful people in the Army and grew up quite a bit. Once I moved back home the plan was to use the money from the G.I. Bill to finish school but that never happened. I worked full time for the airlines and eventually got my own place. As soon as I did that, guess who I allowed to start back coming around? Access to me was much easier now with my own crib. Needless to say, I became pregnant again. Seriously… this is the short, clean version. If you want all the grimy detail you really have to read PFMJ and that’s not just an attempt to sell a book. I’ll just say this: baby daddy was married… with a whole family. I was a side-chick before side chicks became popular.

Even with two children, my family still supported me and what seemed like out of the blue they informed me that they were moving to Atlanta, Georgia. Whether it was reality or fear driving my decision I determined that I needed to be close to my support system. I had also made a conscious change in my heart to leave the toxic relationship. Since he was already somebody else’s husband (and it was clear to me that he was not leaving his wife) there was very little chance I had of being with him. The hurt, pain, rejection, and reality of it all came crashing down on my 24-year-old self and that’s when I finally surrendered and gave Jesus a try. I packed up all of my belongings and headed to Georgia with my parents. I felt so defeated. I felt stupid. Leaving my job and my house was not what I wanted to do. Working for Delta, at least my children and I could travel to wherever we wanted to for free. I was unable to get a transfer so I quit. It literally felt like I was starting over.

Fast forwarding again, I can tell you that I began to have peace of mind and clarity in thought. Leaving Montgomery was one of the best choices I had ever made to date. I made a vow to God that I would be celibate and not consider dating anyone for a year. I almost completed that vow, but while I was busy loving the Lord and trying to be the best mother I knew how to be, I met my current husband six months after moving. We did not date for very long; quickly got engaged and married April 8th, 2004. My children were two and four at the time.

After dropping out of ASU and struggling in the military I had tried many things. I wasted a lot of federal student loan money because I could not stick with anything. I even attended court reporting school. That is actually what I was pursuing when Daniel and I met. I did not stick with that either. The only thing that was certain in my life is that I loved Jesus wholeheartedly and I felt so indebted to him for saving my life and turning things around for me. I started researching Bible Colleges and that’s when the light bulb came on. I actually walked across the stage at New Birth Cathedral in November of 2012 holding a Bachelor’s degree in my hand. That is when I understood what purpose felt like.

This is the cleaned up, polished and pretty version of my story. But the real life unedited version was laced with fights, jail time, child support court, new husband/baby daddy drama, deep depression, mood-altering drugs, failures, a cancer diagnosis, and many of the things that I am sure you may have dealt with in your life.

Today those two babies are now 21 and 19. My daughter is about to graduate with a marketing degree from Georgia State University, and my son is an Oprah Winfrey Scholar at Morehouse College, majoring in Sports Psychology. To this date I have not written one tuition check. God did that. I have two children with my husband who are busy middle schoolers. I am a State employee and am a three-time author of self-help and Christian fiction books, worship leader, public speaker, but most of all a loved forgiven child of God who is sold out for him. Is there anything too hard for the Lord? Absolutely not. And the best is still yet to come!

#MYSTORY #MYTESTIMONY #author

WebSite: www.sdmenterprise.net

Fb& IG, LinkedIn:shaundadavismathieu

Email: sdavismathieu@gmail.com

PLEASE BRIEFLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF, SO THE READERS CAN GET TO KNOW YOU? * I am Cherri Dallas an entrepreneur, author & speaker. I empower the community maximize the gift of their mind. Real Estate has been an industry that I work and teach in for over 20 years and I find pleasure and delight in to educate and inspire others to be aspired. My platform is ministry as a teacher trainer and as a Single Soldier out here in the Army of the Lord, I look forward to sharing this journey with the King God has for me at the time He sets.

HIGH POINT * Please describe a moment in your life that stands out as an especially positive experience. A moment that was a highlight and changed my life was 2006, I was about 36 years old and the movie The Secret came out. It was a documentary of Scientists, authors and philosophers who in this movie answered so many questions I had about who I was. It talks about the Law of Attraction and manifesting what you think and feel. I had been doing this since I was 8 years old and didn't know what it was. This changed my life to be able to master the skills and gifts I always had. That allowed me to understand who I was and the reason why I walk in if I can see it, I can achieve it. We have to understand who we are.

LOW POINT * Please tell us about a time you didn't know if you would make it.

I have had low points through out life. Its almost like a promotion period so we don't get stagnant of comfortable. The ultimate low that set my resilience gauge was at 18 years old. I experienced sexual trauma while serving in the military as well as domestic violence in a relationship with a man I was dating. I wanted to give up, I attempted suicide and I heard the audible voice of God say "Baby just trust me, I am with you". It ignited a fire of I have nothing to loose. When you are no longer afraid to die, it alleviates a majority of fears. So I trusted that my Father would be there to catch me no matter what and until today, he has never let me down.

TURNING POINT * Please describe the moment in your life that life made a turning point? My life made the ultimate turning point when I overcame worrying about what others think of me. I refer to it as when I got delivered from people. We live life mostly concerned about how we are viewed and the opinion of others. That is bondage. I am at a point if life now where as if you choose not to like me; its ok because guess what...its not required. That allowed me to BE! Be the authentic and organic woman I was called to be. It also allowed me to love even those who didn't exude love to me. I started to walk in a judgement free zone which opened my heart to instead of avoiding those who seemed to be mad or angry I started looking deeper than the surface to find out why they acted this way.

WHO WAS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? * The most influential person in my life was my Grandmother Angeline Dancer Moore. During the 12 years of my life she imparted gifts in my that held me when I was balled up on a floor in a corner crying or going through. She was with me. To the point that I had my son 8 years after she passed and on her birthday. The original Big Mama and I carry every moment she spent with me as if it were yesterday.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THESE LIFE EXPERIENCES ? *

I learned to forgive and afford others the same grace that I needed. We all have made choices that we were not proud of or even hurt someone who we did not mean to hurt. To forgive is a gift, yet unforgiveness has been a culprit to hold us in bondage which only hurts us. I learned to confess my own faults and own my part in my story because I am the main character.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUDEST OF ? *

I am most proud of being my biggest fan. For so many years I was looking for affirmations from others and once I was able to look at the woman in the mirror and smile back at her, I was whole and proud of what I saw.

WHAT ARE YOUR MOTIVATIONS? * My motivation is to be able to leave a legacy to my only child Michael and my granddaughter Monroe. To out live so many family members that passed away before their time due to poor health. My ultimate motivation is to offer my story and transparency so that others who were praying for a word from the Lord like I was can receive it from the words that flow from my belly. To love Ghandi Quote "Be the change you want to see in others".

WHAT WISDOM WOULD YOU LIKE TO OFFER AS A SURVIVAL MAP TO OTHER WOMEN? The key is faith and believing. My tool bag didn't initially have self help books and mentors and coaches. My tool back didn't even have a whole prayer or scripture, what my mother taught me was to just call on the name JESUS! Everytime I called Him, He showed up! There was no 8 step program it was just sincere tears and the desire for change.

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION OR BUSINESS AND WHY? * I am a Empowerment Speaker and Coach. My industry is Real Estate and Personal Development. I have a passion to help others achieve a goal they did not feel was within their reach. Being able to offer a different perspective on how you see a thing will change what you see. We have the ability to change anything that we want. To be a tool to help others find their amazing is all the reward I need.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE PROJECTS? I am preparing for a book release that I am excited about. I am working on a Podcast to touch audiences Nationally and other projects coming soon.

HOW CAN WE CONNECT WITH YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA? EMAIL: msdallasknows88@gmail.com

WEBSITE: www.cherridallas.com www.msdallasknows.com

IG: @msdallasknows

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherridallas

twitter: https://twitter.com/msdallasknows

THE EFFECTS OF CHILD DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Tiffany Mensah is a woman of great faith, wife, bonus mom, youngest daughter of four, sister,

marketing maven, friend, and budding author. I currently work as a Marketing Project Manager in Corporate America by day while spending my night hours working on my boutique Creative Consulting Agency, Mensah and Co.

I grew up in what I thought was a pretty loving home until I saw my father hit my mother at the age of seven years old for the first time. It was a consistent image that would be ever-present in front of me until I was 17 years old when my mom got the courage to get a divorce and be free from abuse. However, between the ages of 7-17 years old, my mom left my father a total of eight times before walking away. It was during those times she would flee for safety that the caregivers counted me out. They didn’t know how to connect with a child who had been the witness of Domestic Violence, and who had been removed from her home, her safety net, other siblings, so they counted me out and treated my mom with more empathy than me. It was these experiences that laid seed in my soul to act out as a cry for help.

Having endured the turmoil accompanied by my parents’ tumultuous relationship, as a child, I most times held an unfortunate ringside seat to the dysfunction that swarms the homes of

children living in the midst of parents whose relationships are thwarted with domestic violence.

This dysfunction as an adult would be developed into stymies that would cause me to self-

medicate in a variety of ways that would include various toxic relationships and the post-

trauma that would come from each of them.

While a success story on the outside, in my personal and professional life, I was met with

roadblock after roadblock that began to reveal to me that while I had titles, accolades, and

credentials there was a great part of me that needed much work. Furthermore, the scars that I had as a child begin to show up in the most unexpected places. As I begin to forge full throttle into roadblock after roadblock, it became evident that I needed to make some decisions and with those decisions some change.

I was able to quickly identify myself in these statistics, and if I hadn’t taken a stand and said

enough was enough, then the above would’ve been my end story. But thanks be unto God, He knew His purpose and calling was greater for me. I would now be using the pains of my past to bring awareness, to facilitate healing and wholeness to someone currently going through what I went through, or prevent them from going through it all together. I refused to let this generational curse continue. It was my goal to make it stop with me. After acknowledging the trauma and its effects, I took the needed steps to realign my life to maintain wholeness.

Early on in life, I would find great solace in writing. What started as an outlet to release the

things I witnessed, experienced, and endured would develop into a passion. As an author, my first book is called, “Forgotten, A Memoir” which gives an in-depth and personal account of a child’s journey that has grown up in a domestic violence home. My book is a tool to deliver transparency, awareness, healing, and hope, to those impacted by Childhood Domestic Violence and to give a voice to those who may similar stories. After what seemed like much tousling, many lessons, and bruised beyond human error ego, I decided to be better by doing the work and heal. In that healing, I realized that everything that has transpired in my life; good and bad, have been intentional for the Kingdom of Heaven. My talents, passions, career moves, and innate abilities were being orchestrated for my life purpose

Tiffany Mensah

Author | Childhood Domestic Violence Advocate

Cell: 480-492-0412 | Web: tiffanymensah.com

IG: tiffanymauthor | FB: tiffanymauthor | T: tiffanymauthor

My name is Latarsha Haughton. I was strippened of my self-worth at eight years of age, when I was sexually abused by an older cousin. For many years, I kept this a secret. I was raised in Baltimore, Maryland by my biological father. We moved numerous times. I never had much stability. He constantly put me off on others and neglected to take on his responsibilities. My mother lived in Detroit, Michigan. She allowed my father to have custody and believed he could better provide for me. Little did she know, that wasn’t the case by any stretch of the imagination.

To add to my trauma, I was being sexually molested by my biological father. This lasted until the age of 18... my senior year. It was four years of living hell. He manipulated me into believing that this was how a father expressed his love and that it was completely normal. He constantly yelled at me and made me feel like a burden and not good enough. I longed for his love and approval. I loved him so much as a little girl. I never thought in a million years I would experience that kind of pain.

High school was absolutely miserable for me. I could not focus on my studies. I found myself dating numerous boys to numb my pain. Often, I would have sex because I did not know how to say “no”. I got absolutely nothing out of sex, it left me feeling empty on the inside. I would say “no” on the inside, but the words wouldn’t come out of my mouth. I began to hate myself and my life and envied others.

My senior year, at the age of 18 I was impregnated by my father. I was terrified and didn’t know what to do. But I knew that I had to get away. I thought by giving birth to my child, it would stop my abuse and numb my pain. In my warped way of thinking, I thought a child would provide me the type of unconditional love I longed for. My pregnancy and the birth of my son ended the sexual abuse. For many years, I continued to get involved in toxic relationships. I dated men that cheated and lied to me. I found myself looking for broken men that I could fix. It made me feel needed, which made me feel better about myself. In hindsight, I believe they preyed on me because I was myself broken.

At the age of 25, I met a man I thought was God sent. The relationship produced a little angel named Autumn. She was the most precious thing I had ever seen since the birth of my son. Just like previous relationships, it ended because of his infidelity, manipulation and lies.

At the age of 26, I became a Christian. I was heavily involved in church and wanted my kids to know and love God. I learned how to have a personal relationship with God and started yearning for God more and more. I raised my children as a single mother and focused on my children, my church and our relationship with God. I remained celibate for 4 years.

I started hanging out with a coworker, I was not physically attracted to him...he wasn't my type”. Eventually, we started dating and got married shortly after. He sold me all kinds of dreams. After the first month of marriage, he started cheating on me. After six months of marriage, he had two other women pregnant at the same time. I forgave him because that was the “Christian” thing to do. The marriage was extremely toxic. Three years later, he had a third child outside our marriage. I felt trapped and that somehow God was punishing me for past sins. I became so depressed. I tried to commit suicide three times. After my third and discharge from the hospital, I finally started therapy and began down my road to recovery.

I began trauma therapy and EMDR with my therapist. She helped me realize I had lost my self-worth at a young age. As I continued treatment, I began to acknowledge my strength, intelligence, and beauty...just as God intended and wanted me to realize. My therapist helped me realize that I had to forgive my father for all the abuse in order for me to take back my power and begin the healing process. After years of therapy, full of confidence and renewed self-worth, I was ready to step out on faith, so I filed for divorce.

Shortly after, I began a non-profit organization named Breaking the Silence...Healing the Pain. This organization brings awareness to sexual abuse, emotional abuse and domestic violence. We are dedicated to helping others break their silence and begin their healing process. We are the voice of individuals who feel as if they are voiceless. We offer support groups to ensure victims of abuse and know and feel they are not in the battle alone. We provide outside resources for therapy, housing assistance and employment referrals.

My life had turned in the right direction. I decided to put my story on paper. I began writing with a co-author and realized that I needed to contact my high-school sweetheart. I needed him to sign a disclosure to use his name in my book. We had not spoken in nearly 30 years. When I contacted him, he was excited and stated he would help in any way. He resided in Atlanta, GA and I lived in Red Lion, PA...about 750 miles from each other. We rekindled the flame and started a long distance relationship. Three months later, he sought a job transfer and relocated to Maryland. December 2019, we celebrated our 2 year anniversary. I’m now married to my best friend. July 2019, we relocated to Tampa, FL. We realize that God has abundantly blessed our lives.

Latarsha Haughton -Founder of "Breaking the Silence Healing the Pain" non-profit organization.

INSTAGRAM- @have_humility

INSTAGRAM-@BTS_HEALINGTHEPAIN

FACEBOOK- @BTS HEALING THE PAIN