She Strives With Faith - Candid Conversations with Lady B. Celeste: Recent Episodes
Berthena Jackson
All over the world, women tend to worry about . Worrying can trigger heart attacks, strokes, and even suicidal thoughts. Berthena understands. She is a two time divorcee, single mother of two, and war veteran who battled with anxiety for years before she learned to give all her worries to God. Ladies, now is the time to let go and let God. This podcast will address topical issues from a Christian perspective with the aim of helping you face every situation with faith, strength and dignity. Berthena will share stories from past and present to lead you to embrace the circumstances of life with grit and joy. These captivating and down to earth conversations will inspire you to Strive with Faith. At the end of every episode you will be able to sit back in your favorite chair and laugh at the days to come.
Today, we're diving into a topic that every mom, aunt or grandmother can relate to - how to give the young women in our lives their space while knowing when it's time to step in. We've all been there, right? We want to respect their privacy, but sometimes, that "mom radar" starts buzzing, and we just know something's off. Whether it's sneaking a peek at their diary or checking their room for clues, it's easy to feel torn between respecting their independence and making sure they are safe. Today, we'll talk about how to approach those tricky situations with love and care, keeping the trust and making sure you are there for her.
Bible Scripture: "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
In today's episode, we're diving deep into protecting our daughters from stereotypical bias," addressing how mothers' unintentional stereotypes can impact their daughters' growth. We'll discuss the tangible effects of these biases and offer actionable advice on creating supportive environments that empower girls to thrive beyond societal and familial expectations.
Join us for an honest discussion on breaking free from stereotypes, nurturing our daughters' unique potential, and emphasizing the importance of trusting our daughters rather than assuming they are not to be trusted.
Scripture reference: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29 (NIV))
In today's episode, I'll discuss understanding your daughter's moodiness and improving your connection with her during tough times. Mothers should avoid blaming their daughter's moodiness on their menstrual cycle and instead seek to communicate with Christlike love and compassion.
It's important to create an environment where daughters feel understood and supported, even when their emotions are running high. So, grab your pen and paper to jot down some insightful strategies as we explore how to build stronger bonds with our moody daughters. Let's dive in!
Bible Scripture: "With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2 (NKJV)
Hey there, fellow single moms! Welcome to "Smart Money Moves For Single Moms," the podcast where we dish out the best tips and tricks to help you rock your finances solo-style. I'm B'Celeste, your host and financial confidante, and I'm here to make sure you're armed with all the savvy strategies you need to thrive in the world of single-parent finances. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let's dive into some money-saving magic strategies together!
Bible Scripture: "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Join me on a whirlwind journey filled with laughter, frustration, fear and misguided love as I share a true story about a "Selfish Road Trip", the daring escapades of me risking it all to spend precious moments with my boyfriend in Vicenza, Italy, before he leaves for special military duty lasting six months.
Amidst the excitement, I share a surprising revelation about his character, adding an unexpected dimension to the 3 hour journey from Naples to Vicenza.
Scripture Reference: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (Philippians 2:3-4)
The womb of emotions. It's like this mysterious chamber where whatever you've been dishing out to a woman, you'll end up receiving it back, but in a whole different form. Think about it: if you've been handing out criticism left and right, guess what? It's coming right back at you. And if anger's been your go-to emotion, well, get ready to have it thrown back in your face. It's like a boomerang effect, but with feelings
It symbolizes the eventual conclusion of a woman's suffering, much like a full-term pregnancy. It's a reminder for men to be mindful of the words they speak to women and for women to be cautious of how they communicate with each other. So, buckle up, this is going to be good!
Bible Scripture: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21)
Describing women as incubators in the context of projects, tasks, or ideas emphasizes their unique ability to nurture and bring such endeavors to fruition. Just as an incubator provides the optimal conditions for the growth and development of a fetus, women offer support, guidance, and creativity to help ideas flourish and projects succeed. Their nurturing nature and attention to detail play a vital role in bringing these concepts to life, making them essential contributors to the success of any endeavor.
Biblical Scripture: "I have made you a father of many nations. He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were." (Romans: 4:17)
The phrase "in hot pursuit of godly vision" suggests a person's intense and determined effort in seeking or pursuing a vision or goal that aligns with their understanding of godliness or divine purpose. It implies a fervent dedication to spiritual or higher ideals, actively chasing after a vision that is inspired or guided by one's religious or moral beliefs. This pursuit involves a passionate and relentless commitment to manifesting a vision that is considered virtuous, righteous, or in accordance with a person's understanding of God's will.
Special Guest: Tammara (Tammy) Oates is my sister in Christ. She is a dynamic individual with a diverse set of roles. As a licensed social worker, she brings expertise and compassion to address social, mental and emotional needs of her clients. In her role as a minister, she preaches and teaches the Word of God, oversees the Singles Ministry and fosters community. As a worship leader at Life Changing Ministry, she cultivates a spiritual atmosphere through music. Additionally, Tammy serves as a Christian educator, contributing to the intellectual and spiritual growth of others by teaching Christian principles. Her deep love for the Lord and God's people motivates her multifaceted approach, making her a dedicated servant-leader integrating professional expertise with a spiritual calling for positive change.
Bible Scripture: Habakkuk 2:2: The the LORD answered me and said: "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it."
Building wealth with life insurance is about using life insurance as a strategic financial tool to not only protect your loved ones but also accumulate assets and create a strong financial foundation. It involves leveraging the benefits and features of life insurance policies, such as cash value accumulation, tax advantages and estate planning opportunities to build long-term wealth and secure your financial future, the children's future, your grand-babies future and even your elderly parents.
This captivating interview features Georgia Rhem, a seasoned Life Insurance Broker who leads a team of more than 40 business partners. Georgia, a licensed Life Insurance Broker, Navy Veteran, Radio Talk Show Host, and Educator, is unwavering in her commitment to providing guidance and support to individuals of all ages as they strive to achieve their financial and life objectives.
Contact Georgia Rhem via:IG: @Black_Coffee98
Tik Tok: @Black_Coffee98
Facebook: Georgia Rhem
Bible Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:18: "But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today."
The "Glass Ceiling" is like an invisible barrier that sometimes makes it harder for certain people, often women or minorities to go up to those higher floors. It's not a physical ceiling you can see; it's more about unspoken challenges, like biases or stereotypes that can hold people back.
This episode will provide tips on breaking career limitation/barriers that hinder professional advancement in the workplace.
Bible Scripture: Proverbs 16:3 (NIV): "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
"Mind Your Sanity" is a phrase that encourages individuals to pay attention to their mental well-being and maintain their psychological health. In a world filled with various stressors, pressures, and constant demands, we must make our mental health a priority.
Bible Scriptures:
- "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." (Psalm 34:17)
- "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
What will you do when disappointment hits you? It's a question that we all must confront at some point in our lives. Disappointment is a universal experience, an unwelcome guest that can arrive unannounced, leaving us feeling disheartened, frustrated, and even defeated. In those moments, it's easy to be consumed by negative emotions, to question our choices, and to wonder if there's a way out of the darkness. In this candid episode, I will share wisdom to help you navigate the inevitable disappointments of life and emerge from them stronger, wiser, and more resilient than ever. So, let's dive into this honest and sometimes challenging conversation about disappointment, because how we respond to it can define our path to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.
Bible Scripture: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. " (Romans 8:28)
Reimagining reconciliation after divorce involves a fundamental shift in perspective. It's not about rekindling a romantic relationship with your ex-spouse, but rather, it's centered on reconciling the differences of opinion, particularly as they pertain to your shared children. It means setting aside personal grievances and grudges to reach a harmonious agreement on co-parenting, prioritizing the well-being of your children above all else. This redefined reconciliation also encompasses respecting the boundaries of your ex's life, especially if they have remarried, and refraining from unnecessary interference. It ultimately entails maintaining a cordial and respectful relationship with your former partner, promoting a sense of cooperation and understanding.
Bible Scripture: "Bear with each other and forgive one another. If any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Colossians 3:13)
"Straight Talk on Surviving Rejection" conveys the idea of having a candid and honest discussions about coping with rejection. Whether it pertains to, relationships, or personal aspirations, this episode addresses the emotional challenges that come with rejection, offering practical suggestions e and insights to help individuals navigate and overcome these difficult experiences.
Bible Verse: "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31Bible Verse: " And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
"When You Feel Rejected" is a candid exploration of the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies rejection, whether it's in the context of a divorce, a breakup, or other life circumstances. In this narrative, the host shares her personal experience and insights into the profound impact rejection can have on one's self-esteem and emotional well-being. The episode touches on the complexities of dealing with rejection and offers a message of hope and healing for anyone who has ever felt the sting of being pushed aside or undervalued.
Bible Verse: "You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest regions, And said to you, "You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God." (Isaiah 41:9-10)
Today, we will be discussing the difficult truth that many of us struggle with, the LIE OF UNWORTHINESS. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, making it hard to step into our greatness. By recognizing the lie of unworthiness, we can begin to own our power, confidence, and worthiness, allowing us to rise up and reach our fullest potential.
"We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” – 2 Corinthians 10:12
Our topic for today is all about making things happen.
Taking a passive approach to living is equivalent to riding a bicycle with your hands in your pockets. There is no way it will work! The decision to live the life you envision rests solely with you. It's important to be proactive and make things happen instead of waiting for things to happen. You will always have God's support and guidance, but he cannot work unless you work too.
"Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth". Proverbs 10:4
Leadership is about understanding who you are and how others see you. Leaders must remain true to their character, and strive to uphold the values that guide their life.
A leader must have a good sense of the overall layout of their own life and have the ability to use that layout to guide their decisions as they journey through every life situation. This involves understanding where they are, where they are going, and which paths will get them there.
"We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. (Proverbs 16:19)
Ther are no negative Nancy's on this podcast, In fact, I strongly believe in the undeniable power of being positive and speaking life and not death. I am a host who think it's not okay for women to be too hard on themselves if they fail to meet the high standard of healthy living they've set for themselves. Some days you don''t feel like eating a kale salad with Apple Cider viniagrette dressing I encourage excercise and eating lots of green vegetable. But I also think we should not beat ourselves up if we have a cheat day or tell friends and family we are doing okay and pretend the sun is shining everyday when it's not.
Is your job causing you stress? Are you feeling pulled in every direction by family and other responsibilities? Are you having sleepless nights? Are you experiencing migraine headaches and body aches? Is your joy on less than half a tank? You are not alone.
It seems like a lot of women are not "feeling right" but can't say exactly what's wrong. It's possible you are experiencing fatigue due to unhealthy levels of stress. So what can you do about it? You can start by putting the red pen to stress by using the 3 D's: Delete, Delegate and Do less.
"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst." Corinthians 3:16 (NIV)
Our bodies are holy. Because our bodies are important, Our Father in Heaven wants us to take good care of them. He knows that we can be happier, better women if we are healthy.
Every woman has the right to set her own sexual limits, and to change those limits as they wish. If someone genuinely cares for you, they will respect those limits and not force themselves on you. Date or acquaintance rape is more common than we think. If you are a woman and you are dating a new guy and are thinking about inviting him over, you should be able to answer these three questions: How long have you known him? Can you trust him? Do you have a back up plan in case something goes wrong? Listen to the podcast to find out why it's important to give these three questions some serious thought.
2 Samuel 13:14: "But he would not listen to her, and being stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her."
Imagine if you woke up and every man on the planet had the ability to read your thoughts just by being in your presence. Imagine having dinner with a man you are sexually and physically attracted to and he was able to read every secret fantasy you had. Does that make you nervous?
Thankfully, we can rest assured that men and women aren't likely to develop this ability any time soon. But there is a bigger concern. God can and always has been able to read every thought....the good, the bad and the ugly. As we look to God's word about sexual fantasy, what you hear in this episode may or may not surprise you.
"Test me O Lord and try me, examine my heart and my mind." (Psalm 26:2).
It's been a stressful and painful journey. You knew the day was coming when you would come face to face with a family law judge with a tremendous amount of power to make a decision that will forever impact your life for years to come. The judge granted the divorce. What now?
If you find yourself in a place where you are looking back over your shoulder at the rubble that’s been left behind, you've gone through all the emotional ups and downs and you're wondering how in the world you will ever be able to move on. You will. If you feel stuck and are asking yourself, "What do I do after the divorce?" There is hope. I've been there and I want to help you. In this episode, I will share a few things you can do after your divorce to ease any anxiety you may be feeling.
"Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee; He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22.
There are many types of transitions in life, from the smallest to the most significant. Whether it's moving abroad, retirement, or ending a relationship that is not working, these are all significant changes which brings with it multiple levels of stress, fears and worries. The way we manage this change can strengthen and prepare us for a new future.
“When shifts and transitions shake you to the core, see that as a sign of greatness that’s about to occur.” (Anonymous).
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Gaslighter's are really good at pretending to be committed when it comes to romantic relationships, and emotional connection at the beginning of the relationship, but they can't keep it up forever. Once they have you in their hooks, they quickly become one-sided with sex, they set up rules for sexual intimacy, spoken or unspoken and they pressure you until you give in to their demands.
In this chat, Berthena will speak candidly about the gaslighter and the several manipulation tactics a gaslighter uses to change his partner's reality so he can keep her in his clutches.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him". 1 Corinthians 2:14 ESV
Sister, if you have ever been divorced or if you have ever experienced a breakup, you may feel the urge to quickly find a new man. But it could be too soon. Entering a new relationship is a big deal and should not be taken lightly, particularly when your past relationship(s) did not work out. If you’re having reservations about starting fresh with someone new, this could be a sign that you are not ready to jump into a new relationship. Before starting a new relationship, make sure you've closed the previous one.
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:31"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19
Resilience is the quality of being able to adapt to stressful life changes and “bouncing back” from hardship. Resilience is a response to tragedy, crisis, or other life-altering changes that allows us to move on despite the loss. As you prepare for the battles and challenges of life, you must develop the habit of resilience using two useful ingredients: personal resources and how you think.
2 Corinthians 4: 8-9:" We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; (2 Corinthians 4: 8-9)
Sisters, you have innate strengths and abilities. There are certain conditions, people and God-given resources that empowers you to be at your best. Do you know what they are? If you are going to succeed at higher levels and in new areas of life, it is important that you know who you are at your best.
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3)
Words of Wisdom: Even if you're lost and don't know your way out through a difficult situation right now, give it all up to God. Make a promise with him that you will see it through the end, and he will lay a path down for you.
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
Words of Wisdom: At the end of the day, God is on our side. We can do anything thanks to him. We just need to ask for his support.
In this episode you'll hear Berthena talk about remaining hopeful while you pursue your divine destiny. It may take time and effort to reach our goals so we need something greater than ourselves to keep us going. It's called HOPE.
Having hope helps us remain committed to our goals and motivated to take action towards achieving them. Hope gives us a reason to keep pushing, to keep fighting . There are times when we must remember that God has a hand in our life even it it feels like a setback or it feels as if it's taking forever to see the fruit of our labor. Even so, we must have hope because it is the foundation of faith and the essence of optimism. When the world says give up, hope says, you better keep going girl!
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."( Hebrews 10:23)
A woman with a fixed mindset says life dealt me a bad hand and that's it. It's set in stone and no further effort is needed. The worst thing about a fixed mindset is that it often causes women who are dissatisfied with the hand they've been dealt to bluff about their failure. Constantly trying to prove herself and oftentimes feeling like she is an imposters trying to win the favor of people by proving how smart she is. A woman with a growth mindset looks at failure as an opportunity to grow. Through effort, she can learn a new way of doing things, improve personality traits and even grow in intelligence. Which mindset describes you?
"Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5, NKJV)
Successful women set goals. They don't write them down and tuck them away in a desk drawer and forget about them. The problem with not accomplishing our goals is that it leaves us feeling disappointed, unfulfilled and stuck in the same ole rut. Successful women keep pushing and they don't quit until their goals have been accomplished.
Ladies, lets kick procrastination, lame excuses, negative self-talk, and doubt to the curb and decide to stretch beyond our comfort zone. We will not pursuing our passion. We will stay motivated. We will believe that Jehovah has given us everything we need to carry out our God inspired vision.
"Where there is no vision, the people perish." (Proverbs 28:18)
Unfortunately, there’s no simple cut and dry answer to this question. It may depend on where the person falls on the spectrum of narcissism. Ultimately, the greatest barrier to a narcissist’s success tends to be their own narcissism. Narcissists have to be motivated to change. He must be committed with a "can do" attitude. You must be patient and supportive.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Narcissistic men, believe it or not, prefer a certain type of woman. It's not your beauty that captures their attention, it's women who will make them feel good about themselves. Why do they seek out women who are empaths; those with a capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing? Is it because they want control? Is it due to low self-esteem? Or are they just evil and egotistical men? Listen to the podcast and decide for yourself.
"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 3:1-7
Narcissistic men can be charming, fun, and supportive starting off. Their true colors do not emerge until after a woman has invested time into the relationship. By this time, however, the narcissist has usually manipulated the woman into believing she is the problem. It's disappointing to say, but many women fall prey to these selfish, arrogant, egotistical and controlling men because they don't recognize the signs.
Existing in a relationship with a person who is unable to own a mistake, address issues, and repair ruptures in the relationship is demoralizing, painful, and isolating. In this episode I will expose the characteristics of a narcissist and help you answer the question: "Am I dealing with a narcissist?" This episode will help you avoid the hurt and pain of being deceived by men who have traits of narcissistic personality disorder.
2 Timothy 3: 1-17: "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people."
In this episode Berthena invites to grab pen and paper and your favorite beverage as she explains the real meaning of loving yourself unselfishly from a God perspective; what it is and what it isn't.
America is in trouble. Women (and men too) have serious self-esteem issues. Take a look around. Have you seen the number of women who have drastically transformed their bodies through plastic surgery, to the point that they don't look the same? Today, nearly 15 million plastic surgeries per year are performed on women in the US - a 169% increase over the past 20 years. This is very concerning because the Bible is clear that to naturally love ourselves means we are to be thankful of what God has made. God said, we are fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. He designed us and we are perfect just the way we are.
Psalm 138:14: "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, And that my soul knows very well."
So, you’ve come to the conclusion that it’s time to get a divorce or maybe your divorce is final but still fresh. My heart goes out to you. I feel your hurt and pain. Separation is never easy. Divorce is difficult. The aftermath can leave you lost, hurting, and tempted to walk away from the faith. The pain is spiritual. It can't be fully repaired, or quickly soothed. You can't apply a healing balm to your broken heart and cover it with a Band-Aid, and expect the pain to go away quickly. That's not realistic. You must take time to heal and seek support from family and friends. Remember, you survived the marriage, now it’s time to make it through the divorce in a way that won't leave you bitter, angry and unforgiving.
In this episode I will share certain do's and don'ts that will help you endure divorce. You will be reminded that God is love and He can supply you with supernatural strength to endure the aftermath. Let the Holy Spirit restore your peace, joy and happiness.1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 | "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Singleness is often portrayed as a sort of purgatory we are forced to endure until we meet our divine soul mate. There are those who enjoy being single and those who really don't. If you fall into the second category, single life may be an unpleasant experience. However, it does not have to be that way. Singleness should be viewed as a gift to be enjoyed and not endured.
In this episode, I will share how you can be a successful single woman with style; a woman who embraces her season of singleness with joy. When a woman lives out singleness in style; she has a sense of awareness and authenticity. She recognizes that God wants to do mighty and great things through her.
Every single woman has the capacity to become a successful single woman with style when she properly uses the tools that God has placed in her to walk in the fullness of Christ.
Definition of Style: A manner of doing something different. Elegance and sophistication.
1 Corinthians 7:34: "An unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world - how she may please her husband."
Friends with Benefits a.k.a FWB: An agreed upon arrangement. Two friends trust each other enough to engage in sexual activity without fear of hurting the other's feelings. It's described as the ideal scenario for folk who are not interested in a serious relationship, or who do not have time for one. They are not boyfriend or girlfriend. Both can date other people. It's another alternative to a random hook-up. Basically, casual sex with no strings attached. No commitment of any kind. On the surface, finding yourself in a friends with benefits relationship can seem like a win-win for everyone. But is it?
Can a man and a woman have sex and be completely emotionally unattached? As a Christian, is it okay to embrace the idea of having friends with benefits? Does selfish sex honor God?
Ephesians 5:3, “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.”
There is a weakness in men and women that causes them to prioritize pleasure over God and become dangerously immersed in the dating game; searching for a relationship to fulfill their deep longing for love, companionship, and possibly marriage. There is a weakness in male and female that causes each one to run at the first sight of adversity because they don't believe the Word of God is powerful enough to win the fight. There is a weakness in husband and wife that convinces them to give up on their marriage before inquiring of the Lord. These are just a few consequences of spiritual famine. Without the Word of God to direct our decisions, behavior and attitudes, we will be up the creek without a paddle.
But all is not lost. There is a solution. In this episode, I will share my own personal story of spiritual famine and give practical recommendations to go from spiritual famine to harvest.
Amos 8:11-12: “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God, "That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. 12 They shall wander from sea to sea, And from north to east. They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord, But shall not find it."
Navigating an adolescent daughter's emotional life is one of a mom's toughest challenges. A teenage girl's volatile emotions can become overwhelming. "I don't know why my daughter is so angry. She yells at me all the time! Our daughter comes home, goes straight to her room, turns on her CD player, and won't talk to anyone - especially me." "The emotions of our daughter's life make us all feel like we're on a roller coaster." It's enough to drive you crazy.
The good new is whether you are the biological mother, grandmother, spiritual mother, step-mother, or auntie, you are equipped with the most powerful resource available for maintaining and developing a loving connection with your daughter: The Word of God and a mother's heart. A powerful combination.
Ephesian 4:13-14: "with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with our daughter and one another in love."
How could I love him for 8 years and not know what love is? Why is this organization promoting other people and overlooking me? Why does my husband get physical every time I don't do as he says? Why is my father choosing my husband for me without my input? Why does my husband force me to wear clothes I don't like?
If you’re feeling oppressed in life for whatever reason the podcast is for you.
Any behavior that devalues the other person and their integrity is oppression. Oppression is the exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner; the feeling of being heavily weighed down, mentally or physically, by troubles, adverse conditions, anxiety, and the like. Think of oppression as demanded submission. The Bible goes out of its way to carefully record God’s intentionality to reestablish the position of women to that of equality with men. His Son, Jesus Christ, not only bridged the gap between God and man through His death on the cross; He removed all barriers including that of gender, race, and nationality and church affiliation. God hears the prayers of the oppressed and desires they experience freedom.
“Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will protect them from those who malign them” (Psalm 12:5).
Psalm 146:5-7 But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God. He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The LORD frees the prisoners."
To every oppressed woman who has been crying out , it's time to rise up! Cast your burden on God. God is bringing hope and deliverance.
This episode will provide a broader perspective on how medicine and doctors are divine blessings. Is God in agreement with Christians taking anti-depressants for severe and chronic anxiety? Yes He is! Within many Christian circles, this topic comes with a lot of embarrassment, guilt and shame. Why? Because when it comes to our hearts and minds, we sometimes hear an underlying message that says, “Jesus is enough". "Activate your faith". "Believe God can do it". Pray harder and longer and your mind and body will be healed.” These phrasesmake it seem as if our emotional and mental pains are just spiritual problems, and therefore our spiritual teaching and spiritual maturity will make it all go away.
Godly counsel from Christian family, friends and church leaders have convinced us that taking medications for mental health issues is a personal failure, not a faith building experience. Some religious denominations forbid the use of medication. The “Jesus is enough” perspective is causing people to delay seeking the medical and therapeutic treatment they need because they think doing so means they don't have enough faith in Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals. God CAN do all things but He does NOT always do things the same way for every person in the same timeframe."Is there no balm of Gilead, is there no physician there? Why then has not the daughter of my people been restored?" – Jeremiah 8:22
Statistics show that women spend on average two hours a day feeling worried or stressed. 47% of women feel overwhelmed. It's easy for women to take on the responsibility of caring for those in need because it's how God made us. It's part of our DNA.
Women are natural born nurturers. We care for our children, our spouse, our parents, co-workers; church members, grandchildren all while working a full time job, managing our own business, or running our own ministry. It's no secret that women are doer's. Women are visionaries who get things done. Women are compassionate problem solvers. Yet, we forget to put our oxygen mask on before rushing to another person's aid. Metaphorically, the oxygen we breathe is God. He is the oxygen. Spiritual oxygen is essential for a woman's spiritual well-being. Spiritual oxygen is inhaling the joy, peace, trust, and calmness of Abba Father. This life-sustaining oxygen is ever flowing and allows us to continue helping others without becoming emotionally drained.
In this episode, I am joined by a friend and sister of 14 years. Together we share (1) why it's important to put your oxygen mask on first before lending a helping hand to someone else, (2) how to say "No" without feeling guilty, and (3) carving out time to refocus, destress and rejuvenate so you can continue to help others. Philippians 4: 6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
This episode is aimed at giving you practical understanding on knowing the will of God for your life. The wise Christian reads the scripture, meditates on it and puts it into practice. Knowing the will of God is not complicated. No gimmicks. No tricks. No games. God always guides His people. God always speaks to His people. God does not play hide and seek with His people. He does not sit back and play childish games with us. Instead, He offers clear guidance on how to live a life that brings Him pleasure . The answers are found in the Bible. It is the only book that is God's direct message to us. Read it and you will soon know what the will of God is for your life.
Psalm 119:15-16: "I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word."
Hollywood would have you think that the 20 Hottest Couples of the Summer or the 30 Sexiest Couples in 2021 are the faces staring back at you from the television, social media or the pages of a magazine. But before Hollywood established their list, God created the first and best sexual love story in the Bible. The Song of Songs is the story of one of the Hottest Couples before our time. Their adoration and sexual attraction for one another was more than physical attraction and lust. Theirs was a divine love. A spiritual union where they freely vocalized their mutual and genuine passion and sexual desire for one another while maintaining sexual restraint until marriage. Their moral standard was pleasing and acceptable to God.
"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth; for your love is more delightful than wine. Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out." - Song of Songs 1:1-3
Anger is a thief that steals your peace if it is not released in a healthy way. When people labeled me an angry black woman I got really angry. When my kids were making poor choices, I got angry. When my marriage ended I was angry for years. I spent more time dwelling on past hurt than I did rejoicing in a blessed future. I had no joy and no peace. I was depressed and sad. Until I realized if I did not change my mindset, anger was going to be the death of me. I opted for peace. Peace that only God could give. Peace at last!
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3
Are you in a situation where you are aware that anger is keeping you from God's peace, but you can't seem to let it go. Has anger hooked you like a fish on a hook and you can't shake it off? Whatever the reason for holding on to anger, one thing I've found to be true is that anger is dangerous; it robs you of a peaceful and abundant life that Jesus came to give. There is hope, you don't have to succumb to anger and allow it to rob you of your blessings. You get to choose whether to stay angry or to let it go and be at peace.
Letting go of anger after a breakup is not always easy. Anger is a valid emotion and not always sinful. God allows for righteous anger; anger with the proper focus, proper motivation, proper control and the proper duration. The problem is that we refuse to forgive and move on. God advises us to let go of our anger as soon as possible because it's this intense anger that can lead us to sin. But some women don't know how to express anger in a healthy way after a relationship ends because they never learned how. Let's have a candid conversation about how you can let go of the anger and experience peace and acceptance.
Ecclesiastes 7:9: "Keep your temper under control; it is foolish to harbor a grudge."
Every so often it is advised that we get the ends of our hair trimmed. They call these our dead or split ends. Although getting them cut requires losing a bit of length, it also accelerates the growth of new healthy hair. If you don’t get your ends trimmed, you risk the hair strands splitting all the way up to the root and breaking off. It’s important that we cut off what’s dead in order to produce what’s new and strong. In the same way, God wants to prune your character and cut out the unnecessary stuff that's hindering your spiritual growth so that you can bear more fruit in your life than you could ever ask for or imagine.
SCRIPTURE: John 15:1-2: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
Prune (verb):
- To trim by cutting away dead overgrown branches or stems, especially to increase fruitfulness and growth. Synonyms: to thin out, pinch back or shape
- To cut away. Synonyms: cut off, detach, or remove
- To reduce the extent of something by removing superfluous or unwanted parts. Synonyms: reduce, cut back, cut down, decrease, diminish
- To remove (superfluous or unwanted parts) from something. Superfluous synonyms: unnecessary, excess or dispensable
This candid conversation will dispel the belief that being a sexy Christian is wrong. Sexiness is more about the natural allure that women have when it comes to their overall demeanor as opposed to dressing like a Jezebel. Sexy Christian women who honor God do not have to hide their curves behind a Mumu, baggy sweat pants and oversized tee-shirts. She will understand that the title "sexy Christian" is not an oxymoron and that she can unashamedly embrace her sexuality without feeling judged, or criticized. In addition, helpful tips will be included on how women can harness their feminine allure as a Christian woman without feeling as if they are going to hell. "Before a young woman's turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics." (Esther 2:12)
The five daughters of Zelophehad were one of the world’s first fighters for women rights. They represented power and uniqueness. They represented the challenges faced by women; while refusing to be second class citizens because of gender inequality. They strategically used faith, intellect, communication skills and respect to change the trajectory of their life and set the stage for the next generation of women to do the same.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 27: 1-7
In this Christian walk, life is not always a piece of cake. Women must strive to build a level of endurance that even if a mighty wind came they would not be moved. It isn't enough to start the marathon strong. That's the easy part. You must keep running until you reach the finish line. In the same way, you can't throw in the towel in the middle of the Christian race. Even if you are at the point of exhaustion. Don't give up! Endure. God has made you to be a cedar tree; strong, steadfast, resilient, and firm.
A brief introduction on the real reason this podcast was started. It had nothing to do with passion or purpose but more to do with a suggestion from a very close sister friend. Ultimately her friend's suggestion helped her make a decision to get out of her own way and walk by faith.
After a heartbreaking divorce, Berthena is able to say to women around the world that "it's not over". Life is still a song of praise to a faithful God who turned her sorrow into joy. When women hear her testimony of God's goodness, they will understand why she has unspeakable joy, peace and hope wider than the Atlantic Ocean. Women will be encouraged to fight the good fight and strive with faith in every situation. (2 Timothy 4:7)