Lotus Flower Podcast: Recent Episodes
Reverend Curtis L. Robinson, Sr. and Reverend Dr. Pamela Robinson
Our aim is to educate, equip, and empower our listening audience while sharing culturally relevant spiritually uplifting, thought provoking educational topics. The podcast audience demographic is generally made up of "affluent educated millennials ages 25 and up," however, our targeted audience is African Americans, Hispanics, people of color, low to moderate income populations, single parenting households, and disfranchised people. All adults are welcome to partake in the podcast. It does not matter the persons socioeconomic status, race, creed, nor educational background, religious affiliation, or lack thereof, as long as they have an interest in respectfully learning about African American culture, race, relationships, history, religion, and other topics than all are welcome.
The Robinson's lives and ministry exemplifies the characteristics of the beautiful Lotus Flower, a sheer blend of beauty, determination, and courage. Reverend Curtis L. Robinson, Sr. has served as the co-pastor of Emerging HOPE Ministry of Kalamazoo for nine years, fifteen years of service as an Associate Pastor, and a total of thirty years of preaching the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Reverend Curtis L. Robinson, Sr. is a man of God who has clearly been endowed by the Holy Spirit with the gift to teach and preach. He is a lover of people and one who works well with others. Reverend Robinson preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ with conviction and clarity and demonstrates that he is a “doer of the Word” through his conversation and community volunteerism. His spirit is open to serve in whatever capacity the Lord sees fit to use him. He is an active member of the Recovery Community. Having served as Support Partner with Recovery Institute of Southwest Michigan Inc., he is a strong advocate for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. Dr. Pamela Robinson is the Founder of the Emerging HOPE Family Strengthening Program, Emerging HOPE, Emerging HOPE Christian Counseling, and Co-Founder and co-pastor of the Emerging HOPE Ministries in Kalamazoo, MI. Dr. Pamela Robinson is an esteemed author that has published Blossoming with HOPE: Parent Educational Manuel, The Color of HOPE: African American Mental Health in the Church, A Dissertation “Education the African American Church Towards Those with Mental Health Challenges to Have an Attitudinal Change (2021 Published on ProQuest National Academic Scholarly Database), and created a set of emotional regulation flashcards, “Blooming with New Coping Skills” for children ages 3 -14. Dr. Robinson is an ordain elder with over 25 years of preaching the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She is an alumnus of Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work—Cum Laude (1986) and a Master of Arts degree in Social Work (2009). Dr. Robinson is also an alumnus of the former Apex School of Theology, Durham, North Carolina where she earned Doctor of Ministry degree in Biblical Studies - with High Academic Honors (2017) and a Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies - Cum Laude (2016).
Don’t miss an episode, listen via, Google Podcast, Spotify, RSS, Amazon Music Podcast, Reason.fm, and Wix.com. As of 2022 we are streaming on YouTube at Emerging HOPE Ministries https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPwhZ_G19Z5K6oT8lNbr_EQ. Are you interested in podcast sponsorship and/or podcast advertising? If so, we encourage you to reach out to us at emerginghope@gmail.com to discuss the details. We would love to work you. Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on the Lotus Flower Podcast.
The Lotus Flower Podcast, where we explore life's challenges with resilience. I’m Dr. Pamela Robinson, your host—a licensed clinical social worker associate, ordained minister, and mental health advocate. Join me as we delve into comedy, religion, music, mental health, fitness, and more, with a focus on African American voices. Each episode is packed with helpful tips, useful tools, and vital discussions. Tune in during your commute, on a walk, or even during your lunch hour.
Join us on this journey toward mental wellness and personal development. Blooming through difficult situations is a metaphor for navigating life's trials without being overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. In Matthew 17:7-8, Jesus reassures his disciples, saying, "Don't be afraid," reminding us to trust in divine presence even in our darkest moments.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about mental health and behavioral health issues, and to reduce stigma. The 2024 theme is "Take the Moment," which encourages open dialogue, empathy, understanding, and sharing resources to support individuals and families on their journey towards mental wellness. Our aim this month is to educate the public, fight stigma, provide support, advocate for policies that support mental illness, remove treatment barriers, celebrate recovery, and raise awareness of the impact of trauma.
Tonight we will have another esteemed guest, my cousin Ms. Amber Roberts, MSW, RCSWI discussing "The Impact of Technology on Mental Health." Ms. Roberts is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern in the state of Florida. Amber has been working as a social worker since 2011, specializing in at-risk teenagers. She obtained her Bachelor in Social Work (2011) and Master in Social Work (2016) from the University of South Florida. Throughout her career, she has served in various roles including case manager, school social worker, care advocate, counselor, and school-based mental health therapist. Amber is passionate about instilling hope in those who have lost their sense of hope due to past experiences. ______________________________________________________________________________________
Resources
Headspace: A mindfulness and meditation app that helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Calm: Provides guided meditation, sleep stories, and relaxation techniques.
BetterHelp: An online counseling platform connecting individuals with licensed therapists.
Common Sense Media: Provides reviews and advice on age-appropriate media and technology usage for children and teens.
Child Mind Institute: Offers resources and articles on how technology affects children's mental health.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Guidelines on screen time and media usage for children and adolescents.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Information on the impact of technology and screen time on mental health.
Tools for Managing Screen Time
Family Link by Google: Allows parents to set screen time limits and monitor app usage on their children's devices.
Apple Screen Time: A built-in feature on iOS devices that helps monitor and control screen time.
Bark: A parental control app that monitors texts, emails, and social media platforms for signs of cyberbullying and other issues.
Website
Helplines and Hotlines
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 – Provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress.
Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741 – Offers free, 24/7 support via text.
Local Mental Health Services: Contact local hospitals, clinics, and mental health organizations for resources and support in your area.
School Counselors: Utilize school-based counselors and psychologists for additional support and resources.
Greetings, beloved listeners! I'm Dr. Pamela Robinson, your host on the Lotus Flower Podcast, where we embark on a journey of enlightenment, empowerment, and profound healing. Tonight, as we gather in the spirit of understanding and compassion, we shine a spotlight on a crucial yet often overlooked issue: mental health within the African American community.
In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, our May episodes are dedicated to raising awareness and fostering dialogue around this pressing topic. It's a moment to confront sobering realities, such as the fact that the suicide rate among Black individuals now exceeds that of whites—a poignant reminder of the urgency of our conversation.
At the heart of tonight's discussion is the powerful narrative of resilience and recovery. Dr. Robinson brings her personal journey to the forefront, having tragically lost her sister, Kimberly Haymon, due to a misdiagnosis of schizophrenia in 2015. Through her experiences and her book "African American Mental Health in the Church," Dr. Robinson illuminates the systemic challenges and underscores the critical need for greater understanding and support within our communities.
Joining us as our esteemed guest is J. Barrett Lee, MACS, BA, an esteemed healthcare chaplain based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, whose multifaceted career includes roles as a pastor, college professor, and counselor. Mr. Lee is deeply committed to destigmatizing mental illness, drawing from his own experiences living with Clinical Depression and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder to advocate for societal understanding and acceptance.
Mr. Lee's dedication to community involvement extended far beyond academia. He actively participated in various workshops, including several held at the Annual Emerging HOPE Ministries Community Mental Health Forum in Kalamazoo, Michigan, hosted by Dr. Robinson and her late husband, Reverend Curtis L. Robinson, Sr. Through his dynamic presentations, he ignited engaging conversations and inspired action, contributing to enhanced awareness and backing for mental health concerns.
In summary, Mr. J. Barrett Lee's diverse contributions reflect his unwavering dedication to promoting understanding, compassion, and positive change in the realm of mental health advocacy.
Together, we'll delve into a range of thought-provoking topics:
Dismantling Stigma: How can we challenge the stigmas and misconceptions surrounding mental illness, particularly within communities of color?
Reclaiming Narratives: In a world where external narratives often dictate our self-perception, how can we reclaim our own stories?
Intersectionality: Recognizing the intersectionality of identities— How can we ensure that mental health resources are accessible and inclusive for all?
Holistic Healing: "Take Your Meds & Say Your Prayers" How can we integrate medical and spiritual practices to nurture the health of body, mind, and spirit?
So, join us on this transformative journey as we illuminate the path toward healing and empowerment. And remember, you are never alone—your journey toward wholeness begins here, with us, on the Lotus Flower Podcast.
Remember to like, comment, and subscribe to the Lotus Flower Podcast.
The Lotus Flower Podcast is more than just a podcast; it's a multimedia, biblically-based platform that sparks unfiltered conversations covering a myriad of topics including comedy, religion, music, mental health, and fitness. We're proud to provide a platform that amplifies African American voices and interests, delivering high-quality content and thought-provoking discussions.
Tonight's episode promises to be exceptional as we delve into the topic: "A temporary inconvenience for a permanent improvement." Get ready for an empowering and life-changing conversation!
Special Guest Spotlight: Minister Doris Hope
Tonight, we celebrate the birthday of a remarkable individual, Minister Doris Hope. Join us in wishing her a blessed day! Minister Doris is not only my ministry colleague and sister in the Lord but also an incredible Special Education Teacher for Accomack County Schools. Her heart of flesh and compassion for serving others truly inspire us all. Tune in to hear her invaluable insights and wisdom.
About Minister Doris Hope:
As an ordained Elder and CEO of Doris Hope Ministries Inc., Minister Doris is dedicated to empowering and encouraging others through her prayers, teachings, and writings. Her dedication to her faith and community is truly commendable. Learn more about her journey and explore her inspiring works on her website: www.dorishope.com.
Join Us Live for an Enlightening Experience!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage in enriching discussions and connect with like-minded individuals. Remember, if you can't catch the live broadcast, you can always watch the replay 24/7 on The Lotus Flower YouTube Channel or listen on your favorite podcast platform.
Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to The Lotus Flower YouTube Channel to stay updated on our latest episodes and content!
Let's come together to bloom and thrive in the face of adversity, just like the lotus flower.
Warm regards,
Dr. Pamela Robinson
Host, The Lotus Flower Podcast
@lotusflowerpodcast
My special guest Mr. Wayne L. Bond II, MA. is the Assistant Director for Campus Engagement at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Wayne Bond joined Career and Student Employment Services in 2017 as a Career Development Specialist. He brings experience of collaborating with people from all over the world. In that role, Wayne sought to establish a culture in which the decisions and roles taken on by students at Western Michigan University could be refined to prepare them for their aspirations after graduating from WMU. Prior to joining CSES, Wayne spent over six years coordinating events, programs, and activities with WMU’s Haenicke Institute for Global Education.
In 2022, Wayne took on a higher role as the Assistant Director for Campus Engagement. He is responsible for the shared development, implementation, and supervision of a comprehensive campus engagement program that promotes student development and meets the needs of a diverse university community.
He completed his undergraduate degree at Albion College, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and the Collegiate Basketball team. Wayne completed his master's degree in 2015 within the political science department with a focus on international administration development.
When he is not working or studying, Wayne can be found relaxing with a book or catching up on his favorite shows like Game of Thrones or My Hero Academia, writing and directing online video essays and going on all kinds of amazing adventures.
Mr. Bond’s Specialties: Budget Management, Organization, Office Management, International Relations, Problem Solving, Event Coordination, Creative writing, Student Worker Supervision, Schedule Coordination, Proposal Development, Career Coaching, Presentation Development, Oral/Written Communication, Student Evaluation and Development Programs, Program Assessment, Networking & Leadership.
Wayne's YouTube Channels:Runaway Warlords Anime Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RunawayWarlords
Wayne Reads Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WayneReads
Dr. Pamela's Contact information: Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reginavituou... Facebook: Emerging HOPE Ministries https://www.facebook.com/emerginghopefsp Instagram: dr_pamela_robinson Twitter: @HopeEmerging WEBSITE: https://www.emerginghopefsp.org/
My special guest today is Joyce A. Brown, Ph.D. Dr. Brown established ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SOLUTIONS, a consulting firm specializing in enhancing the effective management, governance, and leadership capabilities of organizations through program development, evaluation, assessment, and training. Dr. Brown has worked as a counselor, President/CEO of the Southwestern Michigan Urban League, and Regional Director, Kellogg Youth Initiative Partnerships for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Dr. Brown has more than forty years of experience working in diverse community settings, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropy. She has a broad range of nonprofit management skills including team building, staff development, budget development and monitoring, assessing and preparing for future needs.
Joyce A. Brown is a motivational speaker and author who uses her creative energy to give voice and meaning to the challenges women face in all walks of life. She grew up in Rockford, Illinois in a household of strong women, but her professional career expanded her reach into Peoria and Battle Creek, Michigan. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and has served as a direct services worker, executive director, program director for a major foundation, and entrepreneur. Joyce has experienced many uplifting moments as a professional and as a dedicated parent and strives to bring those events and lessons to life through her characters in the contemporary fiction novels she pens.
Dr. Brown served as part of the project management team using an approach that democratizes research, planning, and decision-making. The process included more than 40 African American leaders’ participation in goal setting, information-gathering, analysis, and decision-making. She learned that community issues are extraordinarily complex and embedded in the dynamics of the social, economic, political, and environmental systems. She also learned within communities there are complexities of values, perceptions, and the relative power of the various stakeholder groups affected by these decisions, as well as uncertainties and urgency surrounding issues. They developed a theory of change to guide the work, a shared values statement and covenant agreements to guide the participants’ behavior during the development of the Community Renewing Agenda.
EDUCATION and CREDENTIALS:
Ph.D Research, Measurement, and Evaluation Educational Studies; Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI M.A. Counseling and Guidance Bradley University, Peoria, IL B.S. Psychology Bradley University, Peoria, IL
To purchase Dr. Brown's books you may reach out to her via email @ Joycebrown.ods@gmail.com or by searching on Amazon under her name - Joyce A. Brown. Garden Spice Magazine - a bi-monthly magazine that Dr. Brown writes for. The topic for this issue was "Building Community."https://www.gardenspicesmagazine.com/post/creating-and-sustaining-community
Thank you for joining us! In wellness, grace, and humility,Dr. Pamela RobinsonDr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope
Terris Todd began his motivational speaking career with quite a critical audience – 30 sixth graders in his classroom. More than 20 years later, Terris has significantly expanded his public speaking portfolio to include topics including politics, education and ministering the gospel to crowds who are inspired by his message. Terris was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, and grew up there with his mother and two brothers in the home. His grandparents lived nearby and played a significant role in raising Terris, as well as his father, with whom Terris spent school breaks or weekends in Detroit. In the fall of 1991, he attended Norfolk State University before returning to Michigan to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Western Michigan University. He later received from WMU a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership. Terris launched his education career as a sixth-grade teacher. His student data showed student successes in reading comprehension and writing, but many of his students have shared anecdotal stories with Terris and will tell you that Mr. Todd’s motivational stories played a much larger role in their classroom success than did a history book or classroom notes. After teaching for six years, Terris moved into middle and high-school administration for more than a decade. During this time he also was an adjunct professor at the collegiate level, was a top-level administrator at an alternative high school and was director of programming at a youth residential treatment center. Terris and his wife, Karen are the co-founders of My Brother’s Keeper, Inc., a guardianship and conservator enterprise. In addition to owning a business, Terris is an ordained minister. Along with his wife, the two founded The Green Pasture campus ministry at Michigan State University and ministered the gospel to college students for several years. In 2020, Terris was appointed by The White House to be the Executive Director of White House Initiatives on Educational Excellence for African Americans, where he highlights successful educational initiatives across the nation and spotlights them on a national platform. His initiative also aims to strengthen the nation by improving educational outcomes for students. One of his first initiatives after being sworn into office was hosting a Virtual Roundtable on “Fatherhood as an Essential to Student Success, viewed by educators and fathers across the country. Terris and Karen reside in Michigan, and have one teenage daughter, and two young adult daugthers Destinny Marie, Naomi Leigh and Taren Elise.WEBSITE: https://www.terrisetodd.com/Dr. Pamela RobinsonContact information: Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghopeSOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reginavituou...Facebook: Emerging HOPE Ministrieshttps://www.facebook.com/emerginghopefspInstagram: dr_pamela_robinsonTwitter: @HopeEmergingAudio PlatformTune in on RSS Feed:https://rss.com/podcasts/lotusflower/
My special guest today is Ms. Monica Adele, Life Coach
I am Ms. Monica Adele, the founder of Monica Adele Coaching LLC. I have a Bachelor's of Science in Human Sciences and a Master's of Public Health specializing in Social and Behavioral Health. Additionally, I have a Coaching Certification specializing in Goal Success!
In 2010, I embarked on this journey of Coaching and Mentoring Women and At-risk youth.I was able to identify my passion as I always found myself in an advising role professionally and personally. As I began to advise individuals, more doors opened for me to work with entrepreneurs to help them streamline their businesses.
Through working with individuals and their businesses, I was able to pinpoint an important niche. Personal Development is the foundation of success and I was able to identify that there is a large population not operating in their purpose or don't know how to identify it.
From this discovery, I was able to shape my framework for my coaching business.I have a natural desire to see everyone conquer and live everyday on purpose! I provide solutions regarding challenges or obstacles with goal clarity, limited beliefs, low confidence; and much more!Additionally, I work with clients to turn their passions into income, by giving them a roadmap to success starting with business ideas and how to generate income.I currently offer digital products and strategy session packages for needs relating to confidence, mindfulness, and success.Coaching is a true passion of mine.
While experiencing grief, loss, financial hardships, the pandemic etc., I put my own goals and dreams to the side. I then had to find the motivation to keep pushing towards my purpose. I am now sharing that same motivation, boldness, and determination to others
.Fun facts:
I take pride in being relatable!
I encourage entrepreneurship and enjoy traveling.
Most importantly, I cannot go a day without coffee!
My heart is for God, Service and People.
Click the link below to book with me and to view my current offerings.
WEBSITE: MONICA ADELE:https://about.me/monica.adele
Thank you for joining us! In wellness, grace, and humility,
Dr. Pamela RobinsonContact information:
Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via
Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope
SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reginavituou...
@lotusflowerpodcast
Pastor Mae Davis, a real, relevant, and straight forward woman of God, who possess the ability to minister to and empower the lives of others. Pastor Mae Davis has over 35 years of experience in ministry, receiving her license to preach in 1994. In 1995, she graduated from The Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, with a certificate in Christian Ministry. She was ordained in 1998 into the Gospel Ministry by Bishop William J. Scott at Second Pilgrim Baptist Church, where she served as the assistant to the Pastor. Elevation in the Lord’s church continued over the years as she was ordained an Elder in 2006 and an Overseer in 2019.
A playwright, author, conference and seminar speaker, Pastor Mae has a passion for pouring into the lives of Wives, the Engaged, Ladies in Waiting, Ladies who want to do it again and to all the Queens she encounter who may need a “Naomi” in their lives. If she is not preaching and teaching the gospel, she is coaching others in the areas of relationships, marriage, and intimacy.
Pastor Mae has been married for forty plus years to Pastor Eugene, and they have three sons, raised her two nieces and nephew as her daughters and grandson. They have 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Pastor Mae, along with her husband Pastor Eugene Davis are the Founders and Pastors of the Greater Works Christian Ministries as well as Founders of Evenly Yoked School of Marriage Ministry.
Pastor Mae is also the visionary of The King's Daughters Ministry. She is a certified Intimacy Coach and has launched Solomon's Chambers Ministry for Sanctified Intimacy.Pastor Davis' Website:www.pastormae.com
Thank you for joining us! In wellness, grace, and humility,
Dr. Pamela RobinsonContact information:
Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope@lotusflowerpodcast
My special guest today is A'Neishia Reid, MSW, LCSWA . She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate I Mental Health Therapist| Self-Love Coach| Author & Publisher | Podcaster I Energy Healer in Raleigh North Carolina. Ms. Reid earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Shaw University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Barry University. Ms. Reid enjoys working with individuals at every stage of life. She stands behind every individual as they identify and work through turning over the perception of inferiority, brokenness, self-doubt, and mistrust. Ms. Reid enjoys assisting individuals with self-growth and learning techniques to continue through life adversities. She believes in the power of SELF! Per Ms. Reid, everything we need is already within us. She assists her clients in rediscovering their inner power, and showing up as their authentic self, unapologetically. Ms. Reid believes that your mind, body and soul are properly aligned, healing and self-discovery are sure to follow! As a therapist, she creates a safe and non-judgmental zone. Ms. Reid has experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, and Family-Centered Approach. She stands in the fight with her clients as they gain the strength of getting back up again. As your publisher Ms. Reid learns exactly what your goals and inspirations are. She recognizes that every author is unique and in a different stage of the creation process, therefore, custom options are offered to suit your every need.Services -Mental Health Therapy -Discovery Call to determine your needs (Free)-Self-Love Coaching 1:1 sessions-Package tailored to your needs (Self-love coaching and Reiki sessions) payment plans accepted. four and six month plans. -Monthly Group Sessions on different topics 1 hour (July) -Distant Reiki/Energy Healing 30minutes or 1hour options-Interested becoming a published author, reach out for packages and payment plans.Ms. Reid’s Daily July ChallengeEvery day for the next 30 days write a love letter to yourself. Remind yourself of who you are and what you are. Apologize for the way you mistreated yourself from negative self-talk to not being kind. Let yourself know what you love about you. How you’re going to continue to show up for yourself. Show yourself love, respect, and loyalty. Remember who you were before the pain go get him/her. A'Neishia Reid, MSW, LCSWA - Contact Information: Email - alignwithnisha@gmail.com LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/a-neishia-reid-msw-lcswa-5110731a3Battle Mental Health PLLC - https://www.battlementalhealth.com/co...Website - linktr.ee/aneishiareid?fbclid=PAAaYJo53lD5k7bqinylvrD7XigrgrBEN2Z-Ymr3_pTGnta6GPnIkAbjfDjlU Let The Ink Speak Publishing - https://www.lettheinkspeak.com/Thank you for joining me! Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe.In wellness, grace, and humility,Dr. Pamela RobinsonContact information: Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope
Throughout the month of June, in honor of Father’s Day, the Lotus Flower Podcast will be dedicated to the memory my late husband Curtis Lee Robinson, Sr. Our aim this month is to honor fathers and father figures. As Father’s Day was commemorated in most parts of the world yesterday, here in the United States many people were able to celebrate their fathers in meaningful ways. I have invited a compilation of African American men on the podcast this month that are enthusiastic about sharing their stories with you my listeningaudience. These men are role models, entrepreneurs, actors, professors, recording artist, community leaders, and faith based leaders. Join me for meaningful conversations with African American men every Tuesday at 7pm Est throughout the month of June. He grew up on the west side of Detroit, Michigan. As a child, he recalls always being book smart. To the degree that in 2005, he graduated from Cass Technical High School, an International Baccalaureate World School in the City of Detroit with a 97 percent graduation rate.Mr. Taylor and his wife are the proud parents of a blended family of children ranging from an adorable two year old toddler to spirited teenagers. Additionally, Mr. Taylor currently is the Director of the urban Atlanta area Communities In Schools Program and is the Founder/Owner of Klassy Kidz Entertainment, LLC. The company is based in Atlanta, Georgia and Kalamazoo, Michigan.Klassy Kidz Entertainment is a leading party planner. As a mult-million dollar recreational company, it provides entertainment and party planning services for kids birthday parties, church events, wedding showers, bachelor parties, corporate events, school activities, and many other special events. The company’s fresh and dynamic approach happily meets the needs of its customer’s in unique ways. Moreover, they pride themselves in specializing in the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of all children. Your kids are guaranteed to have the party of their dreams with the great team of hard-working professionals at Klassy Kidz Entertainment. The company has consistently supported a full 5 out of 5 star rating with the Better Business Bureau, leaving clients highly satisfied with their services!Moreover, Mr. Taylor is a community member who has been able to move to a stage of wealth building because of: Opportunities for a solid education Learning how to invest in himself and others Mentorship× Reframing obstacles as opportunities Taking calculated riskHe has a success mindset. More specifically, a mindset that fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, embraces cultural perspectives, and that fosters a sense of belonging all while making a meaningful difference within the community.Likewise, Mr. Taylor knows how to challenge and transform any misconceptions or negative beliefs about himself into flourishing opportunities.In wellness, grace, and humility,Dr. Pamela RobinsonContact information: Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghopeSOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reginavituou...Instagram: dr_pamela_robinsonTwitter: @HopeEmergingTune in on RSS Feed:https://rss.com/podcasts/lotusflower/
A daughter's relationship with their father can play a key role in their psychological development. In fact, when fathers are present in their daughters' lives, girls grow up with a healthy sense of who they are. They are more confident and self-assured and have a clearer understanding of what they want in life. When you connect with your daughter, the positive impact can be quite significant. Research suggests that daughters who have secure and loving relationships with their fathers: • Are more assertive without being aggressive • Are more likely pursue higher education • Feel better about themselves • Feel more confident in relationships with partners in general • Have better grades in school Besides these lifelong benefits, nurturing a rewarding relationship with a daughter can be a great experience in the present. Fathers and daughters who spend time together build a foundation of trust and support. They learn more about each other and their respective experiences. And ultimately, they have fun and make memories that last a lifetime. Join me and my special guest, Minister Justin R. Williams (J-Will) as we talk in depth about the lessons that he is continuously learning as a "girl dad" of a beautiful seven year old daughter. Fatherhood is a tremendous responsibility that requires intentionality, selflessness, and sacrifice. As we look to Father's Day, gain encouragement and inspiration from this episode. Minister Justin R. Williams was born and raised in the Motor City, Detroit MI. Upon graduating from the Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts in 2004, he accepted a four-year academic scholarship at Western Michigan University (Go Broncos). Min. Williams graduated with his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in December 2008, majoring in Management and Minoring in General Business. Min. Justin currently works in Property Management for Eenhoorn LLC since April 2015. Min. J-Will has a passion for leadership and aiding people to grow and develop in their God given purpose. Min. Williams is an Associate Minister at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church located in Kalamazoo MI under the Pastoral leadership of Dr. Addis Moore where he has been serving in ministry since graduating from college in 2008. Min. Justin also serves as one of the Praise and Worship Leaders (Music Ministry), Men’s Life Group Facilitator (Christian Education), and other performing arts ministries (Mime & Drama). He is married to his beautiful, anointed, and gifted wife of 10 years Brittany J. Williams (married since October 2012). They share a 7-year-old precocious, confident, and dancing Tik-Tok princess named Journee Rae Williams. Min. Justin Williams favorite scripture is Isaiah Chapter 61:1-3. In wellness, grace, and humility, Dr. Pamela Robinson Contact information: Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope
Today we’ll get our eyes on the only One who’s a perfect father, our heavenly Father. The very thought of father means different things to different people. We’ve all had a father . . . or have a father. You may not have ever known your father, or you may have known your father well. You may have a healthy relationship with your father, or the thought of a father may spark pain in your heart. Maybe you’re married to a man who’s the father of your kids, or you’ve got grown sons who are fathers, or maybe you’re a father yourself. I have two, like hopefully most people. I have an earthly father who was a broken person. In my situation he found Jesus and the gospel transformed his life! It was through his praying father that he heard the gospel. His earthly, father that pastored two churches in Penny Farms and Palatka Florida, a short powerful man of God that reared eight children. Of course, the primary audience for the Lotus Flower Podcast is women, but we know that men listen in sometimes as well. So regardless of which of these categories you’re in, I believe today’s program will be a sweet encouragement to you. Our guest today, Pastor James Cutts, is no stranger to me and my family. For over four decades, he and his family (his father the late gospel legend Mr. Tommy Cutts) have be fictive kin to my extended Haymon family in Cleveland, OH. Although, Pastor Cutts and me attended and graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in Grand Rapid, Michigan we only knew of one another from a distance, yet were always cordial to one another because of our shared family bond with our Haymon family in Cleveland, OH. Pastor Cutts is a renown gospel recording artist that was born into a musical family. At the tender age of four he started singing with his family quartet The Wings of Faith. At the age of 10, he had learned how to play the bass guitar and performed and recorded several songs with his sister. Together, they shared the same stage with notable groups such as The Pilgrim Jubilee, Mighty Clouds of Joy and The Canton Spirituals to name a few. he was singing with his family quartet The Wings of Faith. At the age of 10, he had learned how to play the bass guitar and performed and recorded several songs with his sister. Together, they shared the same stage with notable groups such as The Pilgrim Jubilee, Mighty Clouds of Joy and The Canton Spirituals to name a few. At the age of 17, Pastor Cutts accepted the call to preach after performing and making several appearances with his friend and GRAMMY award winning musical legend Al Green. He credits Green for his overall musical knowledge and ministry acumen. At the age of 22, Cutts was an ordained minister and traveled across the world speaking to Spanish groups and various denominations. In 2012, Pastor James Cutts received a Master’s degree in social work and served as a substance abuse counselor and worked with autism organizations. Years later, Pastor James Cutts ultimately was drawn back to music singing the Gospel and found himself recording with the Metropolitan Church choir and recording the song “Jesus, I’ll Never Forget” with Dr. Bobby Jones. He’s performed and/or opened for greats such as James Cleveland, Kurt Carr and Fred Hammond to name a few. Pastor James Cutts has been supported by the famed Williams Brothers and has been publicly acknowledged by his hometown friends, family group The Debarge and Dr. Marvin Sapp - who credits Pastor Cutts as a progressive gospel trailblazer within the Grand Rapids area. You may connect with Pastor Cutts by reaching out to him on his website at jamescutts.com.
My guest in Monica Perez Burnett. Ms. Burnett is a visionary entrepreneur, business mentor, and founder of Mon Ministries, a faith-based organization dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs to align their businesses with Kingdom principles. With over 30 years of experience and a successful track record as an entrepreneur, Monica is a sought-after speaker and mentor. In addition to her ministry, Monica is also the proud owner of Mon Christian Gifts, a thriving retail store located in the most established mall in Raleigh, NC. A loving wife and mother of eight, including two sets of twins, Monica is fluent in Spanish and embraces technology and its endless possibilities to reach those seeking truth. She currently resides in North Carolina with her family and continues to inspire and empower entrepreneurs on their journey to success and fulfillment walking as Christ in the marketplace. Mon Christian GiftsCrabtree Valley Mall4325 Glenwood Ave Suite 2114Raleigh, NC 27612Meaning in Hebrew and GreekM: Kingship, Dominion, WisdomO: Obedience, His presenceN: Humility, Faithfulness, ActionOwners: Jared and Monica BurnettMs. Monica’s contact information: Mon Christian GiftsWebsite: https://monministries.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mon.ministri...https://www.facebook.com/mon.christia...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mon.ministr...https://www.instagram.com/mon.christi...Podcast: Faith Led Business: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...In wellness, grace, and humility,Dr. Pamela RobinsonContact information: Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghopeSOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reginavituou...Instagram: dr_pamela_robinsonTwitter: @HopeEmergingAudio Platforms.Tune in on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7Lwnk70...Tune in on RSS Feed:https://rss.com/podcasts/lotusflower/
Tessa was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. She has been happily married to Terrance for 25 years and they are the proud parents of two adult children. A passion for learning and trying new things is what drives Tessa to do what she loves best, which is teaching children. She has taught children with intellectual disabilities over the last 16 years and has been employed as an educator over 20+ years.
Tessa graduated with a B.A. in Child Development and Family Studies from Southern University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Teaching children is an honor God has blessed her with. She looks forward to continuing this journey as she pursues a Masters of Education degree. Tessa is determined not to let anything dim the light that shines from within her. She is a woman with the right heart posture towards God, and is an avid encourager.
The stereotype of the “strong black woman” is more than just a cultural trope: Many black women in America report feeling pressured to act like superwomen, projecting themselves as strong, self-sacrificing, and free of emotion to cope with the stress of race- and gender-based discrimination in their daily lives.The phrase “strong Black woman” evokes both myth and reality.
The myth is of a proud, no-nonsense woman who faces hardship with wisdom, but in the end, she must accept her fate. The reality is a proud woman who has no other choice but to persevere, survive.The intersection of race, class, and gender for black women in this country has meant having to reconcile a legacy of slavery and the creation of dehumanizing tropes and stereotypes like the Strong Black Woman, created by the white patriarchal engine to systemically control our reproduction, destroy our families, and distort to ourselves and our men. And the truth is that black women had be many things, one of which was strong, to endure the ravages of slavery and Jim Crow.
It is refreshing to see that in today’s society many black women understand the complexity of their human experience and are able to articulate that complexity by choosing words that more fully and accurately encompasses what it means to be a black woman.
I am personally inviting you to join me and my special guest Tessa as we dive knee deep into what it means to be a “Strong Black Woman.”
In wellness, grace, and humility,
Dr. Pamela Robinson
Contact information:
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Detours come in many different shapes and sizes, but all of them share one thing in common: We didn’t see them coming. They catch us off-guard, leaving us frustrated, confused, curious, even heart-broken. We question why things had to happen this way, at this time. The ultimate temptation is to become discouraged, even angry at God, as we experience our faith being rocked.
The unexpected loss of a child. Health that has made a turn for the worst. The sudden dismantling of a friendship. Theunfortunate destruction of personal property after a violent storm. The crumbling of a particular set of plans that seemed so sure, so guaranteed.Detours in life occur when things don't turn out the way that we expected or when our journey takes a turn different from what we wanted or expected.
During those times it may feel like you are loosing. Yet, a loss can deepen you, however, it doesn’t have to define you. A loss is a part of your maturity but not your identity.
Thank you for joining me as we have an in-depth conversation about life's unexpected detours. We will explore the notion of how a loss can deepen you, yet not define you. You will learn how a loss can be part of your maturation process and not your identity.
Dr. Pamela's contact information:
Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via
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Do you have a servants heart?To answer the question we must first learn what a servant is. A servant is a person who meets the needs of others. A servant is an individual who puts themselves under submission to another. A servant is different from a slave in that a servant’s loyalty to one’s master is voluntary, but a slave’s is not. Every slave is a servant, but not every servant is a slave. In Christianity, we are called first to submit to God, then to one another.
My special guest Quatina Alred, a.k.a. Q, resides in Middleburg, FL. She serves in ministry in Jacksonville, Florida. Ms. Q is the mother of two beautiful daughters and is a grandmother of sweet little boy.
There were times in her life that she was facing challenging situations in her personal and professional life. She realized that the situations required a total change in her life? How would that change occur?
She relied on God and walked by faith in Him and relied on His anointing, His wisdom, His direction, and His grace. In doing so she experienced divine transformation. Although, Ms. Q reports always enjoying serving others, even as a child; her love for serving was brought to fruition as an adult when God used unfortunate situations to produce major change and transformation in her life.
Moreover, Ms. Q has gained a true and genuine heart to serve her community. She offers Agape love and that love fuels her passion for spreading the gospel to the unchurched and the homeless.
Ms. Q is a witness that in God’s economy, if we want to be great, having a servant heart is key.
In wellness, grace, and humility,
Dr. Pamela Robinson
Contact information
Email: emerginghope@gmail.com
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As a Clinical Social Worker and Pastoral Theologian, Dr. Robinson assists her clients to gain a sense of normalcy by implementing treatment activities to reduce maladaptive behaviors and maximize behavioral self-control. Having collaborated with school personnel, probation officers, police officers, clergy members, and other influential parties, she knows her way around in the community and is well respected by her peers and clients. Her dedication sets her apart from the masses.
Dr. Robinson has served as a cutting-edge, culturally affirming leader in the Marketplace and in faith based organizations for roughly 25 years, She has a seasoned and powerful word to release to the body of Christ at large. As a womanist theologian, she isn't afraid to venture in uncharted waters. She has a strong anointing for empowering individuals who struggle with mental health challenges.
Dr. Robinson prides herself with assisting them to find wholeness through deliverance, healing, and restoration. As a marketplace entrepreneur and Pastoral Theologian, she focuses on media educational-outreach, collaboration with marketplace business establishments and educational empowerment by preaching the gospel, evangelizing, conducting educational workshops and seminars across the country.After years of research and community input,
Dr. Robinson has created tools to educate, equip, and empower churches, agencies, and the community to better the lives of those who need mental health services. Moreover, she is an esteemed author that has published the third edition of Blossoming with HOPE: Parent Educational Manuel, The Color of HOPE: African American Mental Health in the Church, A Dissertation “Education the African American Church Towards Those with Mental Health Challenges to Have an Attitudinal Change, and “Blooming with New Coping Skills” a set of educational social skill development flashcards for children.
The culturally affirming products are available for purchase on Amazon.com at:https://author.amazon.com/profile, at the Kalamazoo Public Library Michigan News Agency, Detroit Book City, https://www.emerginghopefsp.org/shop, Lotus Flower Etsy Shop, or you may purchase and autographed copy from Dr. Pamela Robinson by sending your contact information to dr.pamela.r.robinson@gmail.com.
Watch “The Color of HOPE” Promotional the Videos: Dr. Pamela's contact information:Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope.
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"Sometimes, God brings times of transition to create transformation."
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Mental Health Therapist, and Ordained Minister I am devoted to helping others experience what true inner peace and healing feel like. When I lost my husband suddenly to stage four lung cancer, I quickly discovered what all widows learn: at that very moment you must make crucial decisions that will impact the rest of your life. How do you even know where, or how to begin?
Some just celebrate by being happily single.
Me, I celebrate my single-hood.
My life is good.
Be Godly proud of how you carry yourself during your solo journey. (Even if you always pose in your favorite comfort cloths)!
If you ever find yourself on a solo journey, define it the way you want it.
And be Godly proud.
Live again your way!
bigthingsarehappening
In wellness, grace, and humility,Dr. Pamela Robinson
Dr. Pamela's contact information: Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope.
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We can look all around us and see that our cities, states, and countries are consumed with trouble, untimely death, people overdosing on drugs, single parenting households, divorce, discrimination, and the list goes on and on. When adversity comes, we are forced to face problems and pressures that are too big for us to resolve. In this way, God gets our attention. We can’t continue to pursue our goals, tasks, and relationships in the same manner. We have to stop and evaluate our situation, ask God for wisdom, obey His Word, and trust Him to bring the help we need.
One of hardest things to do in the midst of these deleterious situations is to see the Lord’s hand at work in it all. You may find yourself asking questions such as . . . I’m too bad for God to love me? How do I live my life for the Lord? What is the kingdom of God? What must I do to enter the kingdom of God in the Bible? You may ask yourself; how can I possibly live for a life as a Christian in the midst of so many negative influences in the world.
Our guest today will provide answers to these thought provoking questions as she shares spiritual principles from the Word of God that will help you grow closer to Him.
Evangelist Thanika Minor was raised in Chicago, Illinois where she obtained her early education through high school. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized and filled with the holy ghost. As a young child, she was goal-oriented, outspoken, driven, independent, and respectful. Vocationally she has worked in the public sector for over 25 years with a good portion of those years as a blue-collar worker.
Thanika is currently a spiritual life coach and a small business owner.She is happily married to her former high school sweetheart, Pastor Laquando Minor Sr. They are happy and blessed parents of four adult children, two grandchildren, and two bonus adult children. When her husband followed the Holy Spirit’s leading to establish a church, Thanika made the transition with him and continues to support him in service.
As the First Lady of Living Water Christian Church in Mt Vernon Illinois, she serves in administration and as an Evangelist.Thanika is very nurturing, has a heart to serve, and is gifted in administration and leadership. She works bi-vocationally (pressing to fulfill God's call while maintaining full-time employment).
Her life mission is to please God, as she follows His command in the Great Commission to spread the Christian message and convert others to Christianity.
Our prayer for you today is, as you come to God with you needs, that your inward prayer would echo these words of the Psalmist: “Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies’ triumph over me” (Psalm 25:1–2).
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Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope.
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On today's episode Yah’ala Yanai Israel and I will discuss Mental & Emotional Wellness - Coping with worry, anxiety, and fear. People who are emotionally well, experts say, have fewer negative emotions and are able to bounce back from difficulties faster. This quality is called resilience.
In Paul's letter to Timothy, he explains that God has not given us a spirit of fear (some translations say timidity) but of power, love, and a sound mind. The definition of a sound mind is “having the capacity to think, reason, and understand for oneself."
As a trained Sociologist with extensive studies in psychology, human behavior, and family dysfunction, Ms. Israel will share with us how to find hope in seemingly hopeless situations that rob us of our peace and ability to live joyous and fulfilled lives.Special Guest: Yah’ala Yanai Israel Yah’ala is a highly sought after Spanish-English keynote speaker, business pioneer, international corporate consultant, and published author.
She is a trained Sociologist with extensive studies in psychology, human behavior, family dysfunction, mental healthcare treatment, and recovery counseling. Yahala has over two decades of experience developing community-based programs & therapeutic empowerment conferences.
Ms. Israel is a multimedia content creator; her television productions have been featured on FOX 50 and various local and national networks. Yah’ala is coined as “The Solution-ologist,” for creating stellar SOLUTION-CENTERED corporate trainings, professional development seminars, and bilingual family intervention programs internationally.
Moreover, Ms. Israel has published five books; with the first being entitled, "Single Wives." Single Wives is a powerful guide to help you obtain and sustain healthy relationships and fulfilling marriages.Simply getting married doesn't make you a wife-Proverbs 18:22 says, "He who finds a wife, finds a good thing and obtains the favor of the Lord"...that would mean that you should be a wife BEFORE the wedding! Preparation is the key.To watch the promo for the book click on the link below:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2Ew1Vy0xEk&feature=player_detailpage
To purchase a copy of her books, log on to YaYaIsrael.com
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Special Guest: Shardae Jones-Chambers Shardae Jones- Chambers was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology and currently lives in Kalamazoo with her wonderful husband. Shardae is a community advocate and has a deep passion for social justice, women’s rights, education, and helping people. She currently serves as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Kalamazoo and oversees community development and growth opportunities for a better future in her city. She is the Elections Coordinator for Kalamazoo County where she oversees all election operations in Kalamazoo County.
Mrs. Chmbers has a served her community in various capacities. Moreover, she has a "big heart." One that enjoys bringing joy to families who are suffering, giving hope to the hopeless. She has had the privilege of serving in the with the following agencies:: • Ministry with Community- Help in various areas with adults and children. • Tender Care Nursing Home-Senior Companion Activity Leader • Salvation Army-Angel Tree Leader • Vista Maria-Young Women Ministry Team Lead • American Cancer Society-Breast Cancer Team Leader & Fundraiser Coordinator • Community Advocates of Kalamazoo-Fundraising & Community Involvement Leader • Grow Up Great- Young Children Enrichment and Reading Programs • Lakeside- Young Woman Enrichment Program and Leadership Team Member • Women’s Breakfast Club - Media Support/ Team Leader • Women's March- co leader of planning • Planned Parenthood - co leader community events & campaign fundraiser
On this episode Mrs. Jones-Chambers and I will discuss how political influence affects Americans globally and how it affects Chrisitians. Americans say their country’s influence in the world has been getting weaker rather than stronger in recent years (47% vs. 19%), according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted this past spring. Mrs. Chamber's work is rooted in the belief that Christians are called to bravely pursue justice. We find this calling throughout the Bible – from its earliest books, to the courageous prophets that challenged their country’s failure, to respond to the needs of the poor, and into Jesus’ New Testament teachings and the apostles’ writing. I encourage you to listening lintentionally as we dive knee deep intto this thought provoing topic,
For additional information reach out to Mrs. Chambers at email slcham@kalcounty.com, or via phone 269-270-5578
CONTACT: Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope. SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reginavituou... Facebook: Emerging HOPE Ministries https://www.facebook.com/emerginghopefsp Instagram: dr_pamela_robinson Twitter: @HopeEmerging WEBSITE: https://www.emerginghopefsp.org/
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In today’s episode we will explore the Transformative Power of Hope. Have you ever experienced times when you go through just one bad thing after another? When it seems like the world is out to get you? When things go wrong no matter what you do? There are always things to be learned from every situation. No matter what bad stuff life throws your way, as long as you cope with it constructively, nothing can get you down. Howard Thurman an eminent Afro-American theologian, author, educator, civil rights leader and philosopher, wrote, "There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself. It is the only true guide you will ever have. And if you cannot hear it, you will all of your life spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls." In these lines, he captured the essence of what lifts every human being out of bed in the morning, moves us through our days, and enables us to persevere when life gets hard. Hope. We hope we will accomplish something meaningful. We hope someone will love us. We hope our lives will be free from pain. And if they’re not, we hope tomorrow will be a better day. For many, hope is nothing more than a wish. A yearning for something our heart desires. An expectation that we’ll gain the object of our affection. This type of wishful hope rises and falls with the winds of chance and circumstance. It has no solid basis and is usually tied to something or someone temporal. Thousands of years before Howard Thurman penned his famous lines, another writer described a different source of hope—a constant and sure One. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,” the apostle Paul wrote, “so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13 NIV). Maya Angelou was a renowned poet, author, and activist who dedicated her life to fighting for civil rights and equality. Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1928, Angelou experienced firsthand the racial segregation and discrimination that was prevalent in the United States during this time. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Angelou persevered and used her voice and platform to speak out against injustice and advocate for marginalized communities. Ms. Angelou truly embodied a tenacious spirit. One that wasn't simply built on seeing the positive side of things. Ms. Angelou was driven by fierce hope. It was a hope born in certainty, and guaranteed by God himself. Likewise, she exuded Christian hope. Hope that expresses knowledge that every day of our lives, and every moment beyond it, the believers can say with truth, on the basis of God’s own commitment, that the best is yet to come. The concept of hope is biblical. The word appears 158 times in the New International Version of the Bible. These verses describe three sources of sure and certain hope: God’s character, God’s work, and God’s Word. “No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame” (Psalm 25:3). “For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good” (Psalm 52:9). “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word” (Psalm 119:114). Every day we have a choice where to look for hope in created things or in our Creator. I pray that you will find tucked into the verbiage of this episode joy and peace” and that you will “overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
“Fear Is Not My Future” was written by Brandon Lake Let him turn it in your favor Watch him work it for your good He's not done with what he started He's not done until it's good Let him work it for your favor Watch him turn it for your good He's done with what he started He's not done until it's good Hello peace, hello joy, hello love Hello strength, hello hope it's a new horizon If you're ready for a breakthrough You can open up and just receive Cause what he's pouring out is nothing You've ever seen Fear is not my future, you are Sickness, not my story, you are Heartbreak's not my home, you are Death is not the end, you are
Feel the weight lifting off your shoulders. Trust the Lord God your provider, your peace, your hope and your joy. He will make a way for you…… It's A New Horizon!
My guest tonight is Kelsi Beverly. She is a fitness trainer, holistic nutritionist and is currently training to be a trauma-informed yoga teacher and yoga mindset coach. Likewise, Mrs. Kelsi is working on her bachelors in Exercise Science with a concentration in community health. She has used her passion for health and wellness to create a grassroots business, Mindful Movement Wellness. Mrs. Kelsi began Mindful Movement Wellness to promote generational wellness in her community. She is particularly committed to helping women of color cultivate mental wellness through holistic nutrition, fitness, and yoga. Mrs.
Kelsi grew up in Kalamazoo, MI and currently resides there with her husband George III and three kids George III, Grayson and Karoline. As a two-time cancer survivor and mental health warrior Kelsi has used plant-based nutrition, fitness, and yoga to help heal her own body and manage her mental illnesses. Her realization that this combination of wellness practices can truly change lives has fueled her passion to share this gift with others. When she is not engaged in wellness activities she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Our topic today “Resilience Creates Brilliance ” was chosen by Mrs. Beverly. As a two-time Cancer survivor, her advice is to hold on to hope. She couldn't stop living her life while she was fighting for her life, she reasoned. Life doesn’t stop for cancer. It doesn't even slow down, and she did not want to miss meaningful moments with her husband, their children, and her extended family.
Moreover, Ms. Beverly is a mental health warrior. She has battled with mental illnesses for a significant period of her life, However, Mrs. Kelsi isn't broken. What used to hold her, can't hold her anymore. It's a new horizon for her, her husband, and her children. In today's episode, we’ll hear from Mrs. Beverly and how mental illness impacted her family’s life, her quality of life, and her ability to live an abundant life. We will talk with Mrs. Beverly about how she worked through these issues, how she dealt with the challenges they presented, the resources she accessed, and she will share helpful information pertaining to holistic health measures.
IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS AND NEED IMMEDIATE HELP Go to the nearest hospital emergency room Call 911 for emergency services. In any mental health crisis, safety must always be the top priority – the safety of your loved one, yourself and family, and the community.
We lift up the voices of individuals living with mental illness. Busting stigma one story at a time.
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My guest tonight is Pastor LaQuando Minor Sr. He was born and raised by two God fearing parents in the windy city of Chicago. Moreover, he is the Pastor of Living Water Christian Church, in Chicago, Illinois. Pastor Minor has been preaching the Gospel since 2001. Along the journey he has served as a Youth Pastor with Union Grove Church in Chicago, Illinois under the leadership of his father the late Bishop Minor. Pastor Minor has been married to his beautiful wife Evangelist Thanika Minor for 27 Years. They are the proud parents of three wonderful children.
Our topic today “Wrong Turns, Turned Right” was chosen by Pastor LaQuando Minor Sr. Scripture reference (Romans 8:28)
“Sometimes it takes a wrong turn to get you to the right place.”
Talking Points 1. Financial Wealth 2. Relationships Bridges 3. Health the Temple of the Whole Man
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DISCLAIMER: The content in this presentation is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on the Lotus Flower Podcast.
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In today's episode I will talk about the secrets of resiliency. In case you hadn’t noticed, life is difficult, complex, and unpredictable. You can’t change this. It’s the nature of things. But you can prepare yourself for the next unwelcome surprise. How? By building resilience. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from life’s inevitable disappointments, failures, and pains. I encourage you to listen intentionally as I shared with you the secrets of living a resilient life.
Thank you for joining me.
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DISCLAIMER: The content in this presentation is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on the Lotus Flower Podcast.
CONTACT: Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope.
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In this episode Reverend Dr. Pamela Robinson sharess deeply about her return from a five month sabbatical and her vision going foward as she relaunches the Emerging HOPE Ministries.
Emerging HOPE Ministries Reverend Dr. Pamela Robinson CEO, Co-Founder, Ministry Director, Itinerant Preacher Emerging HOPE is a virtual outreach ministry - without walls. The ministry isn't your traditional brick-and-mortar structure. Moreover, no matter where people gather, in church buildings or online, the same opportunities for ministry still exist. People still need relational connection. They still need prayer. They still need someone to support them through difficult seasons, encourage them through seasons of growth, and celebrate with them at the mountaintop moments. We have created an online space where people feel welcome. We offer community to those looking for a place to belong. Even though the method might be different, our calling is still the same. Jesus tells us, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.”
As an itinerant preacher, Elder, Dr. Robinson has come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as a comforter and a guide; one who will never leave nor forsake her. She believes that it is a humbling experience to work with individuals during their times of difficulty. Knowing that the emotions and behaviors of those suffering can be intense, she understands that during times of crisis, many people just want the pain to end and have the problem resolved. Dr. Robinson feels a special calling to help during those difficult times. She feels honored when people invite her to help them make changes in their lives. With God, believers have limitless possibilities. Therefore, no “walls” can restrict God’s people and “… all things are possible …” with God on your side.
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This episode is in loving memory of my husband Reverend Curtis L. Robinson, Sr who went home to be with the Lord on September 7, 2020 after a breif battle with metastatic lung cancer.
To the man who was patient with me, who saw me in all of my weakness and imperfections and loved me selfessly anyway. The man that pushed me to accomplish each of my dreams and that was my biggest cheerleader. I am the woman I am today, in large because of you. It's my joy to continue stewarding all that we built together.
Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
Curtis was a great man because he loved his Lord Christ with all his heart and mind and strength. He was great because he stood upright with integrity and a desire for excellence. He was great because he cared for and served the needs of others.
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore, we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (for we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. II Corinthians 5:1-8
- Refresh, Replenish, Refocus, Renew
To support my health and wellbeing, allow time for grieving, and carry out my personal life obligations, I have decided to take time away from social media and ministry responsibilities to refresh and be renewed in Christ Jesus. I DECLARE supernatural breakthroughts, healing, an restoration are coming my way. I know that every setback is a set up for a comback.
In Scripture, we read of several occasions when Jesus went up the mountain to pray and spend time with His Father. Not only did He do this for His own personal care and enrichment, He did this to be an example for you and me. Right after the beheading of John the Baptist, we read of how Jesus invited His disciples to join Him to come away and rest with Him in Mark 6:30-32, “Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’ For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So, they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.” Following this precious time of rest, Jesus performed one of His greatest miracles known as “The Feeding of the Five Thousand.” The disciples participated in ministering to the people alongside Him.
If we could see our times of rest and refreshing as a time of preparation for what He has planned next, we would not hesitate to make time to rest in His presence as the Holy Spirit directs us.
As I enter this time of rest, please pray that I will be strengthened, encouraged, and equipped for every good work during this next season of my life. God’s abundant blessings to you, your family, and the body of believers to which I am called to serve.
“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done … ”,
It was my joy to be your wife and your best friend, and it continues to be my joy to honor you. I will see you in that “Great Gettin' up Morning.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us that we are to "demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
Taking your thoughts captive simply means gaining control over what you think about yourself and life.
What you put in your mind influences what you think. Remember those scary movies you watched as a kid, then had nightmares? It didn't take long to realize that the way to avoid the nightmares was to stop watching that kind of movie. God has provided a way to overcome unhealthy thoughts and behaviors and gain the self-control you seek. It's a matter of taking charge of your life - His way.
The wars we fight are not against flesh and blood but against invisible spiritual forces. In today’s podcast episode you will learn how obedience to God’s will can help to combat these forces that are warring every day.
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We encourage you to reach out to us at emerginghope@gmail.com. Leave your contact information and we will connect with you.
DISCLAIMER:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on the Lotus Flower Podcast.
CONTACT:
Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope.
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Facebook: Emerging HOPE Ministries
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Twitter: @HopeEmerging
WEBSITE:
https://www.emerginghopefsp.org/
Our aim is to educate, equip, and empower our listening audience while sharing culturally relevant spiritually uplifting, thought provoking educational topics. The podcast audience demographic is generally made up of "affluent educated millennials ages 25 and up," however, our targeted audience is African Americans, Hispanics, people of color, low to moderate income populations, single parenting households, and disfranchised people. All adults are welcome to partake in the podcast. It does not matter the persons socioeconomic status, race, creed, nor educational background, religious affiliation, or lack thereof, as long as they have an interest in respectfully learning about African American culture, race, relationships, history, religion, and other topics than all are welcome.
Dr. Pamela Robinson is the Founder of the Emerging HOPE Family Strengthening Program, Emerging HOPE, Emerging HOPE Christian Counseling, and Co-Founder and co-pastor of the Emerging HOPE Ministries in Kalamazoo, MI. Dr. Pamela Robinson is an esteemed author that has published Blossoming with HOPE: Parent Educational Manuel, The Color of HOPE: African American Mental Health in the Church, A Dissertation “Education the African American Church Towards Those with Mental Health Challenges to Have an Attitudinal Change (2021 Published on ProQuest National Academic Scholarly Database), and created a set of emotional regulation flashcards, “Blooming with New Coping Skills” for children ages 3 -14.
Dr. Robinson is an ordain elder with over 25 years of preaching the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She is an alumnus of Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work—Cum Laude (1986) and a Master of Arts degree in Social Work (2009). Dr. Robinson is also an alumnus of the former Apex School of Theology, Durham, North Carolina where she earned Doctor of Ministry degree in Biblical Studies - with High Academic Honors (2017) and a Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies - Cum Laude (2016). Don’t miss an episode, listen via, Google Podcast, Spotify, RSS, Amazon Music Podcast, Reason.fm, and Wix.com. As of 2022 we are streaming on YouTube at Emerging HOPE Ministries https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPwh....
Are you interested in podcast sponsorship and/or podcast advertising? If so, we encourage you to reach out to us at emerginghope@gmail.com to discuss the details. We would love to work you. Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on the Lotus Flower Podcast.
Contact Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope. Social Media Information Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reginavituou... Facebook: Emerging HOPE Ministries https://www.facebook.com/emerginghopefsp Instagram: dr_pamela_robinson Twitter: @HopeEmerging YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPwh... Website: https://www.emerginghopefsp.org/
We will be taking a sixty-day complete break from all social media beginning August 1st to October 1st. No content will be published on the Lotus Flower Podcast, the Lotus Flower Book Club, or on the Emerging HOPE Ministries Empowerment Hour broadcast.
The break will afford us the opportunity for an extended time of rest, renewal, study, and preparation for future service. While away we invite you to stay connected by watching previously recorded Lotus Flower Podcast episodes, Lotus Flower Book Club Discussions, and Empowerment Ministries broadcasts.
We ask that you join us in prayer that we might receive a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the next phase of our ministry.
If you would like to purchase ministry products, purchase advertisement on the Lotus Flower Podcast, would like to submit a speaker's request, or if you would like additional information,
Contact Reverend Curtis L. Robinson, Sr., or Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope.
Social Media Information
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reginavituou... Facebook: Emerging HOPE Ministries https://www.facebook.com/emerginghopefsp Instagram: dr_pamela_robinson Twitter: @HopeEmerging YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPwh... Website: https://www.emerginghopefsp.org/
Emerging HOPE is a nonprofit public charity recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under Section 501(c)(3) Entity ID: 802292574
Your tax-free donations can be made online at PayPal.me/emerginghopefsp, CashApp: $EmergeHOPE, or you may mail them to: Emerging HOPE Ministries P.O. Box 19485 Kalamazoo, MI 49019
Grace and Peace,
Reverend Curtis L. Robinson, Sr. Dr. Pamela Robinson
Music Credit: We own the right to copy. The Smooth r&b /jazz soul session who owns the copyright to the song lyrics has granted me permission to copy it. This music was purchased online at Smooth r&b /jazz soul session 131818869-smooth-soul-2-advertising-rnb-
July is National Black Mental Health Awareness Month. And as is the case with almost every issue, topic and challenge in America, African Americans are impacted by mental illness in disparate ways. While the experience of being Black in America varies tremendously, there are shared cultural factors that play a role in helping define mental health and supporting well-being, resiliency, and healing.
Thank you for hanging out with me and my colleague Dr. Rashida W. Brown PhD for S2 E26 of the Lotus Flower Podcast as we have an in-depth discussion on how to thrive even when life is overwhelming.
Dr. Rashida’s passion empowered her to stand against life’s obstacles. Sequentially, she was able to “get off the couch” and step into the field of her dreams. Emphatically and with tenacious conviction, she was determined to escape a life full of past childhood trauma and relationship dysfunction. In doing so, she was blessed with a spectacular “get off the couch” life experience. Without question, it was Dr. Rashida’s passion that fueled her with the power to achieve goals that far exceeded what she could ever have imagined.
Nevertheless, I dare to say that life’s pain were also a contributing factor that gave her the confidence to go forth and heal from the physical, mental, and emotional side effects of childhood trauma. Conversely, even though Dr. Rashida’s life had been broken by the turbulence of a challenging foster care system, a traumatic childhood, and broken relationships; she positioned herself to accomplish the very thing that she was born to accomplish; becoming an international speaker, two times best-selling author and trusted a Psychotherapist. Moreover, her challenges, trauma, disappointments, and seasons of waiting all made sense as she opened her heart to allow God to do the ultimate work in her.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Rashida W. Brown PhD (she/her) is a clinical psychologist in Stone Mountain, GA. Known as America’s #1 Breakup Therapist, she is the owner of iThrive Therapy, best-selling author of Girl, Get off the Couch and host of Hello Healing Podcast. She has been seen on TV One’s hit crime show For My Man and been featured in Voyage Atlanta Magazine, Black Doctorate Network Podcast, MindBodyGreen and more. She is an international speaker, 2x best-selling author and trusted Psychotherapist who gets results. Her work is guided by faith and the simple idea that when we connect the dots between past experiences and present pain, we can position ourselves for a powerful future. Combining her knowledge of mental health as well as her love of faith, she helps women heal after a breakup and couples avoid unnecessary breakups.
Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Radisha Brown, is a former foster child who beat the odds by becoming the first person in her family to attend college. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology, master’s degree in social work from the University of South Carolina and doctorate degree from Argosy University.
Dr. Radisha’s vision is to help 10,000 women to break free from the emotional baggage of failed relationships and inspire them to build new lives of purpose and hope.
Dr. Radisha’s Contact Information: Website: https://drradisha.com/ https://drradisha.com/vip-coaching/ Have any question? info@drradisha.com
July is National Black Mental Health Awareness Month. And as is the case with almost every issue, topic and challenge in America, African Americans are impacted by mental illness in disparate ways.
In this episode we will explore what happens at the intersection of mental health and one’s experience as a member of the Black community? While the experience of being Black in America varies tremendously, there are shared cultural factors that play a role in helping define mental health and supporting well-being, resiliency and healing.
Mental illness, which is generally characterized by dysregulation of mood, thought, and/or behavior, as recognized by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV), affects one of every five adult Americans—some 40 million people. And mood disorders are among the most pervasive of all mental disorders. This includes major depression, in which the individual commonly reports feeling, for two weeks or more, sad, uninterested in things previously of interest, hindered or delayed body or muscle movement or agitation, or increased or decreased appetite since the depressive episode ensued.
Black Mental Health Resources
Sista Afya Organization that provides mental wellness education, resource connection and community support for Black women.
Therapy for Black Girls Online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls. Offers listing of mental health professionals across the country who provide high quality, culturally competent services to Black women and girls, an informational podcast and an online support community.
Psychology Today Directory of African American Therapists
Therapy for Black Men
Educational Resources On Racism And Inequality
Understanding the context of racism and recent events Video on understanding racism and the reactions to the death of George Floyd and many others Video on understanding the perspectives of your colleagues of color
Article on “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack”
APA Best Practices on working with Black patients
APA Mental Health Facts for Black Americans (2017)
Understanding and addressing the social determinants of health that impact mental health
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Page on Achieving Health Equity — Information about why health equity matters and what you can do to help give everyone a fair shot at being as healthy as they can be.
Books to Read
The Color of HOPE: African American Mental Health in the Church, By Dr. Pamela Robinson https://www.emerginghopefsp.org/shop
Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Dr. Brittney Cooper
Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
How To Be An Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century by Grace Lee Boggs
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo, PhD
When Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America by Ira Katznelson
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In numerous studies, researchers have found that student success in the classroom is most heavily influenced by his or her parents’ ability to: Encourage learning and education Set high – but not unrealistic – educational standards and goals Become involved in school and community activities Researchers have also found that students who do benefit from strong parental involvement have: Higher overall achievement, regardless of socioeconomic, ethnic, or racial background. • A higher completion level on homework. • A higher level of self-esteem in all aspects of life. • Better social behavior and lower probability that they will get into trouble outside of school. • Greater comfort navigating diverse cultural environments between home and school. • Less likelihood of being placed in special education courses. • Less probability of dropping out of high school. Therefore, what is the most accurate predictor of academic achievement? It is not socioeconomic status, nor how prestigious the school is that a child attends. The best predictor of student success is the extent to which families encourage learning at home and involve themselves in their child’s education. When parents are engaged in their children’s school lives, students have the home support and knowledge they need to not only finish their assignments, but also develop a lifelong love of learning. Teachers who focus on parent engagement often see a profound change in their classrooms. The more parents involved in their children’s education, the better their entire class’s motivation, behavior, and grades become. Encouraging parent engagement is more than common courtesy. It is one of the best ways to create a positive learning environment for every student. Parental involvement in a child's education is an advantage that money cannot buy. All parents, regardless of economic status, race, or primary language, can do simple things like asking a child about school or attending a parent-teacher meeting. Being involved in your child's education not only helps your child to achieve more academically, but it also lifts teacher morale and provides you with the satisfaction of making a difference in your child's education. In today's episode our featured guest Ms. Charlene M. Drain, and educator for over 35 years, will share tips and lessons on how to increase parent engagement in their child’s educational process. Episode Title: Parent Involvement Contributes to Results Episode Talking Points: a. Are you a verb, or noun kind of parent? b. How Parent Involvement Leads to Student Success c. What does parent involvement look like? d. Strategies to Increase Parent Engagement Strategies * Use social media at your school to connect to parents. * Home visits and parent/teacher conferences. * Family nights. * Volunteer Opportunities. * Online advice videos. Biography Charlene M. Drain is a native of Battle Creek, Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master's in Reading Education from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. Ms. Drain has been an educator for the Battle Creek Public School Systems for over 35 years and has served in many positions within the district. Her passion for children is the gift God gave her at the early age of nine. Ms. Drain was raised by two loving parents Bennie and Eula Drain who believed that education was the key to success.
Resources
Blooming with HOPE Parenting Educational Manual Third Edition, Dr. Pamela Robinson, Author https://www.emerginghopefsp.org/shop .
Blooming with HOPE Emotional Regulation Flashcards Dr. Pamela Robinson, Creator Esty Lotus Flower Shop - https://www.etsy.com/de/shop/LotusSho...
Our featured guest today is Pastor Nyslie Guerrier. She is the Family Life Director at Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church, Riverside, California.
BIOGRAPHY
Pastor Nyslie Guerrier was born IN CAP-HAITIAN, HAITI. There her grand-mother introduced her to the Seventh-Day Adventist faith while was in her pre-teen. Soon after she emigrated to Brooklyn, NY where she matured, was baptized and focused heavily in church ministry.
After HS, she attended Bernard Baruch College in NYC where she received her BBA in Human Resources & Business Administration, and minored in African American studies & Civil Rights Law and Litigation. While in College she pledged Sigma Alpha and it was with the sorority that she was introduced to community services. She served at the Eastside Armory with the homeless population for a number of years as a volunteer with her fellow Sorrors. This awakened her passion for community service.
After working in the corporate sector as an HR Director for a number of years, she then pursued higher education and Graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary with an MDIV and a Masters in Pastoral Care and Recovery. She trained as Chaplain at the St. Joseph Medical center in Burbank, CA. As an extern Small Group Pastor with Mt Rubidoux SDA church.
She then transitioned to work at the Los Angeles Mission As a Lead Chaplain with women in recovery from; homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, sexual assault, trauma, human trafficking, domestic violence, partner violence, and spiritual abuse. Pastor Nyslie Guerrier obtained her MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary with a Masters in Pastoral Care and Recovery. She trained as Chaplain at the St. Joseph Medical center in Burbank, CA, and as an extern Small Group Pastor with Mt Rubidoux SDA church.
She then transitioned to work at the Los Angeles Mission as a Lead Chaplain with women in recovery from; homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, sexual assault, trauma, human trafficking, domestic violence, partner violence, and spiritual abuse.
She serves at the Mt Rubidoux SDA church on the pastoral team, an Elder, Family Life Director, and Women Ministry Coordinator. As Family Life Director she has created a vibrant ministry to support the church and community at large. Support groups such as; Recovery from Addiction, Grief and Loss, Recovery from Trauma, Single Parents, Faith over Fear, to name a few.
She is a Pastor, Chaplain, Teacher, Recruiter, Trainer, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, Preacher, and Social Activist. Her ministry emphasizes pastoral care, discipleship, life management and restoration. Her focus is on restoring people in their relationship with God; people battling addiction, social economical and health injustices. Her passion is to create a non-profit organization to support aged out youth from the foster care system.
Her passion is to create a non-profit organization to support aged out youth from the foster care system.
This non-profit will have several sections:
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Focus on providing support for the community with a community center.
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Transitional home for aged-out foster girls.
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Ministry Consultant: helping Christian institutions set up relevant ministries in order to answer the needs of their communities.
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Christian Association: providing leadership, empowerment, mentoring and support to women, helping them to live their best God purposed life.
Featured Guest - Dr. Rita Mercer, PsyD
A Strong Women “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”
Our guest today is a faithful, respectful, strong, intellectually gifted Woman of God. She intentionally puts the Lord’s Will first in her life at all times. Why, because she realizes that It is God’s Will that is paramount and not hers.
Biography
Dr. Rita Mercer received her doctorate in Clinical Forensic Psychology in 2019 from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Anaheim, CA campus (previously Irvine, CA campus). Dr. Mercer holds a master’s degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree from National University. Shortly after graduation, the world experienced a pandemic that effected every facet of life, including the reduction of postdoctoral sites. Dr. Mercer solicited the prayers of her village and God opened a postdoctoral position as a mental health clinician in a state psychiatric hospital in Maryland. This required that she move from California to Maryland during the pandemic. Dr. Mercer is a member of the Mt Rubidoux SDA Church in Riverside, CA and one of the team members of the Family Life Ministries Department.
In addition, she is the host of the online Rubi Read Book Club, co-facilitator of the online Seeking Safety support group and collaborates on a weekly online program, “The Chat,” that focuses on women and social justice issues.
Dr. Mercer is a board member of the Association of Adventist Women, an organization that promotes and supports the ordination of women. Dr. Mercer’s professional achievements include the 2019-2020 California Psychological Association Graduate Student Diversity and Social Justice Director. During her tenure, she organized and hosted the first virtual 2020 Cross-Cultural Conference.
She is currently the 2020-2022 Membership Chair for the California Psychological Association Division VII Diversity and Social Justice. During the first year of Division VII, she participated in “Women in Psychology” event that was held on zoom. This event highlighted the diverse female members of Division VII. Dr. Mercer co-authored an article “Black Men and Mental Health” published in the California Psychologist 2021 Fall issue and contributed to the Special issue of the California Psychologist Racial Justice Fall 2020. She was invited to be a guest speaker on the online radio program National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (NAASCA), The Pain of Change and was part of the November Mental Health Wednesdays at Mt Rubidoux, providing 30 minute online mental health information segments. Dr. Mercer gives all honor and glory to God for her accomplishments and the opportunity to share her story through public speaking. She is an advocate for women of color to step into their God-given purpose and be agents of change in their community.
Dr. Mercer is excited to see what God has in store for her. Dr. Rita Mercer
Contact Information Linkedin Profile linkedin.com/in/rita-mercer-psyd-06950318
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The power of Black Fatherhood is the ability to break generational curse but also the ability to heal generational trauma and live in the blessing of legacy. Fatherhood is but a piece of our lives. A very unique and tailored piece that we can share in common. Yes, I’m aware that fatherhood is difficult. But so is being yourself. Oddly enough, fatherhood is just that – being yourself! Be mindful that there are little ones watching your every move. Not to judge you, but to be just like you. You are their example. So the challenge for us becomes, what do we want our young ones to see? —-Kelsey Maynor
Join me and my guest Co-host, Marylee Morton for S2 EP21 of the Lotus Flower Podcast as we discuss with Mr. Terris Todd how active and engaged fathers can positively impact our their families, church community, educational system, and society.
Biography
Terris E. Todd was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan. He earned his B.S. in Elementary Education and M.A. in Educational Leadership both from Western Michigan University. He worked as a public school teacher, administrator, and college instructor along with serving on various boards. Terris is the author of Just Being There: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Children; Creator of The God Class Series Apparel; Host of “In the Classroom” with Mr. Todd Podcast on Anchor/Spotify. He currently serves as the Program Manager for Civil Society and the American Dialogue at the Heritage Foundation in Washington DC. In 2020, Terris was appointed by The White House serving as the Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans in the U.S. Department of Education in Washington D.C. , where he focused on working with educational professionals in the public and private sectors to elevate and bring awareness to the challenges faced by African American students in the country and leveraging resources to help ensure students are prepared for college and productive careers that contribute to the well-being of society. Prior to his appointment, Terris served as Vice Chair of the Michigan Republican Party where he provided leadership and outreach efforts to the expansion of conservative thought and values throughout the state from 2017 to 2020. In 2015, he served as Director of District Relations in the Michigan House of Representatives (District 62) and, later in the same year, Director of Education and Children Services for Community Action of South Central Michigan until May 2020. He continues to provide leadership to the Michigan Conservative Energy Forum, Right to Life of Michigan, SW Michigan Urban League and the Frederick Douglass Foundation of Michigan as a board member. He is an ordained Pastor, serving under the leadership of Bishop Hugh Smith Jr, Presiding Prelate of Jabula International Network.
Today, Terris and his wife Karen commute between Battle Creek, Michigan and Arlington, Virginia. They have three daughters.
Check out his work here: https://www.heritage.org/staff/terris...
Read more on the issue here: https://www.heritage.org/marriage-and...
Episode Title: Parental Engagement
Episode Talking Points:
What is a parent?
Building a foundation
Importance of Faith
Commitment
Environment for success
Fatherhood
School/Community Partnerships
Success Sequence
A Strong Women
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” –
Our guest today is a faithful, respectful, strong, intellectually gifted Woman of God. She intentionally puts the Lord’s will first in her life at all times. Why, because she realizes that It is God’s will that is paramount and not hers. Dr. Jackson has an attitude that says, “Lord whatever your decision, I am going to trust you.” Her unshakable faith compels her to praise the Lord even when she does not understand His ways.
Conversely, realizing that uncertainty is an unavoidable part of daily life, the Lord bequeathed her with wisdom and grace to manage whatever comes her way. Dr. Jackson adamantly desired God’s will to reign supreme in her life.
She boldly asset that no matter how uncertain her circumstances where, the Lord always came through for her. In fact, even when riding the struggle bus, He indubitably met and exceeded all of her needs.
Subsequently, Dr. Jackson knew that even when her situation was beyond her understanding, it wasn’t beyond God’s. Dr. Jackson adhered to the following passage of scripture that compelled her to: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)
Equally important, she followed God’s guidelines and commands knowing that as she practiced obedience, He was working out the rest. “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him” (Psalm 28:7, NIV).
Biography
Dr. Adrianne Jackson is a Prevention Operations Manager for the United States Air Force. She served as Specialist for the Primary Prevention of Violence with the United States Air Force for a year and a half before her recent promotion. She has served as the director of the Florida A&M University’s Bachelor of Social Work Program. Adrianne has attended Florida A&M University, Barry University and holds a PhD from the Florida State University Higher Education Administration program. Adrianne is a mother of 2, partner, daughter, sister, aunt and friend to many. She draws her inspiration from her family to be the best version of herself.
Episode Talking Points:
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How faith moves for career and personal life can lead to your purpose
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Using your natural talent to shape your career
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Stop focusing on money and focus on purpose
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Creative job searching
DR. JACKSON'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Twitter: @AJDocLife Facebook: @dradrianne jackson
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We are grateful for the pleasure to present this culturally relevant, spiritually uplifting, podcast to you!
Choice Blessings,
Lotus Flower Podcast Host
Reverend Curtis L Robinson Sr. Reverend
Dr. Pamela Regina Robinson
Mental Health Awareness Month Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, Emerging HOPE Ministries joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. Together for Mental Health For 2022’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Emerging HOPE Ministries has amplified the message of “Together for Mental Health.” We have used this time to bring our voices together to advocate for mental health and access to care through Emerging HOPE Ministries Blog, Lotus Flower Podcast, Empowerment Hour, personal stories, videos, social media engagements and events. Together, we can realize our shared vision of a nation where anyone affected by mental illness can get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Help us spread the word through awareness, support and advocacy activities. RESOURCES Share with us how you advocate for mental health by writing your personal story or sharing #Together4MH graphics and messages with your community.
We are grateful for the pleasure to present this culturally relevant, spiritually uplifting, podcast to you! Choice Blessings, Reverend Curtis L Robinson Sr. Reverend Dr. Pamela Regina Robinson Lotus Flower Podcast Host
Naturopathic doctors are educated and trained in accredited naturopathic medical colleges. They diagnose, prevent, and treat acute and chronic illness to restore and establish optimal health by supporting the person's inherent self-healing process. Rather than just suppressing symptoms, naturopathic doctors work to identify underlying causes of illness, and develop personalized treatment plans to address them. Their Therapeutic Order™, identifies the natural order in which all therapies should be applied to provide the greatest benefit with the least potential for damage.
Episode Talking Points:
Dr. Carrie's journey to Naturopathic Medicine
What is Naturopathic Medicine? (The philosophy)
Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
How a Naturopathic Doctor approaches care (Naturopathic Therapeutic Order)
How Dr. Carrie operates/approaches care.
The basic foundational principles of health (Naturopathic Determinants of Health)
Featured Guest Dr. Carrie T. Dennie
As long as she can remember, Carrie knew that she was meant to be a doctor. She has always been fascinated by the abilities of the human body and drawn to helping others. She graduated with honors from Kalamazoo Central High School before attending Michigan State University where she earned her Bachelors in Social Science. It was Carrie’s intention to attend conventional medical school but she felt unsure if it was the right choice. She wanted more to offer her patients and she eventually sought the Lord to determine her next steps. She was surprised to learn that her calling was in an “alternative” form of medicine called Naturopathic (pronounced like Nature + opathic) Medicine otherwise known as natural or holistic medicine.
Upon acceptance to medical school, Carrie moved to the Chicagoland area to attend National University of Health Sciences. While there, she tried acupuncture for the first time and fell in love with it. She eventually dual enrolled, first graduating with Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine in August 2016 and then summa cum laude with a Master of Science in Acupuncture, as the valedictorian of her class in December 2016.
Dr. Carrie currently lives in Grand Rapids, practicing full time as a Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist. She believes strongly in identifying the root cause of illness while supporting the innate ability of the body to heal. The art of Naturopathic medicine is working individually with each person to support all aspects of health: including physical, mental/emotional and spiritual wellness.
I hope my journey inspires other women to be openminded and dream big. I was an older medical student and always remind people that it is never too late to discover and pursue your purpose. I encourage anyone who asks to seek God and let Him direct your path. Every day I wake up with joy in my heart because I am blessed to be a vessel for God’s healing. Jesus was the greatest healer of all time and I continue to be inspired by His example.
Dr. Carrie also offers telehealth only booking times. If you cannot find a time that works for you below, please call 616-899-9447 and ask about additional telehealth options.
Carrie Dennie, ND, RAc works under the medical delegation and directorship of Integrative Wellness Grand Rapids owner and medical director, Dave Johnson, MD.
You can find Dr. Carrie on social media @cdenniend Practice website: integrativewellnessgr.com Carrie T. Dennie Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicince (ND) Masters of Science in Acupuncture (MSAc)
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Choice Blessings, Reverend Curtis L Robinson Sr. Reverend Dr. Pamela Regina Robinson Lotus Flower Podcast Host
Featured Guest: Glennetta Haymon, Esq.
Glennetta Haymon, Esq. is a St. Louis native, and assists clients in St. Louis, St. Charles, and other surrounding areas with business registration, trademark, copyright, and probate. Attorney Haymon is a graduate of the University of Missouri, Columbia, where she earned Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on African American Studies. She obtained a degree in Law from Arizona Summit Law School and a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology. Since embarking on her legal career,
Attorney Haymon has gained significant experience within various areas of the law. She served as a volunteer mediator for the Arizona Justice Courts as well as a legal secretary, paralegal, office manager, and attorney. She knows how to provide efficient and effective counsel along with top-notch customer service for every client.
She is involved in the community, serving on several boards, see below. In her spare time, she enjoys educating business owners and entrepreneurs in leadership and wellness, spending time with her daughter, and enjoying the outdoors, playing sports, camping, running, or fishing.
Episode Topic: A Journey of Uncertainty
Talking points:
The journey of becoming an attorney. (Recommendations for those wanting to embark on the journey-keeping the faith, staying in the word and speaking what God says about you, letting others get in the way or not, how paths can change based on experiences, it’s never too late)
What is probate?
How we avoid probate?
Reading the System - At times it is very important to understand how communication channels, interpersonal networks and politics influence decisions at work.
Describe a tIme when your understanding of political dynamics at work was put to good use.
How have your recent actions and attitudes reflected God's sovereignty over your life?
The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross examines him. Proverbs 18:17 When hearing a case, we should always be determined to hear both sides of a dispute before we come to any conclusion about the matter.
Give me an example when another person really tired your patience. Specifically, talk about a time when you were angry or frustrated and felt like lashing out at the other person.
It is often suggested that the creative personality has a particular way of thinking which encourages inventiveness.
At times, we are all required to deal with difficult people. An even more demanding factor is to be of service to a difficult person. When have you been successful with this type of situation while representing a client?
Can I Trademark My Podcast?
Top 4 Tasks to Complete to Start your LLC
What Does Having a Registered Trademark Mean?
CONTACT INFORMATION
Glennetta Haymon, Esq. Haymon Law Office, LLC 5377 HWY N #379 Saint Charles, MO 63304
Office (314) 896-1051 www.haymonlawoffice.com
Need to schedule an appointment? https://haymonlawoffice.youcanbook.me
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As a Proverb 31:10 woman who lives her life based on the premise from the Word of God, Marylee Morton life mirrors empathy and compassion. She walks, displays, and intentionally lives as a follower of Jesus Christ. Marylee is a native of Muskegon, Michigan. She currently has resided in Kalamazoo, Michigan for the past nine years. Marylee is married to the love of her life, Mr. Joseph Morton. She is the mother of two adult sons, and a nana of six wonderful grandchildren.
Marylee’s background includes her studies at Spring Arbor College in Christian Counseling. Moreover, she holds an Associates of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Baker College. Marylee also holds the following certifications from the State of Michigan, Social Work Technician, Suicide Prevention Specialist, Family Preservation Specialist, and Community Outreach Specialist. She is a Motivational Speaker whose aim is to empower disenfranchised, hurting women. Likewise, as a Marriage and Family Coach, she is highly skilled in Motivational and Forensic Interviewing. Marylee has diligently served her community through volunteering at The Salvation Army Christmas Store, Visiting Nurses Hospice, Hospice of Michigan, created and prepared “Love Bags” for a homeless community, and read stories to sick children at the Mercy Hospital's Children’s Ward.
Marylee’s passion and love shines brightly with her infectious smile as she walks out her mission to create a positive change in the hearts of everyone she encounters. Conversely, as an esteemed Author of the book “Unstoppable Gems" an Anthology, Marylee's love for writing pushed her to pen her second book which focuses on empowering and giving a voice to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The book is slated to be released in July 2022.
Additionally, she is the sole owner of “His Image Ministries, LLC.” The ministry provides mentorship services and family coaching to people in urban communities. Likewise, she is a Certified Notary for the State of Michigan and is an Independent Associate with Legal Shield (PPLSI). Marylee’s passion is to encourage, inspire, and empower women of all ages and ethnicities with the tools become business owners, and with the ability to make positive choices that will create purposeful lifestyles.
Marylee's Contact Information
Phone number - 231-457-3255
Website - mmoore23.wearelegalshieldcom
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Judge Tabitha M. Marsh received an Associates degree from Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Michigan, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She then continued her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, graduated Cum Laude, and was the chosen Black Celebratory Commencement Student Speaker for her class.
She obtained a Juris Doctorate degree in 2004 from Michigan State University College of Law. While at the College of Law, she was on the dean’s list, received various law-related scholarships, and served on multiple boards and executive boards, including the Moot Court Board. She was also the Class of 2004 Commencement Student Speaker.
In November 2020, Judge Marsh was elected as a 67th District Court Judge, representing the City of Flint. She is the only female currently serving on the City of Flint District Court bench, and the only African American female serving on the Genesee County District Court bench. Judge Marsh is a licensed minister and a member of Embassy Covenant Church International where she is pastored by Bishop Hugh Smith and Lady Letha Smith. At Embassy Covenant Church Judge Marsh has served in various positions and is currently a member of the Church’s Presbytery Board, Prophetic Department, and Ministerial Team.
Current and Past Memberships
State Bar of Michigan Association of Black Judges of Michigan Genesee County Bar Association Mallory VanDyne Scott Bar Association, Executive Board Embassy Covenant Church International Presbytery Board and Ministerial Team Flint Children’s Museum, Executive Board Flint Institute of Arts Gala Committee Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated The Links, Incorporated Flint Women's Forum, Executive Board Flint, Michigan Branch of the NAACP Serves as a Big Sister with Big Brother Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee County Serves on the Advisory Board for The Scholars Etiquette and Self Image Institute
Family Background
Born in Flint, MI, where Tabitha spent the majority of her life Tabitha graduated High School in Battle Creek, MI where she was recognized as a class valedictorian Tabitha and her husband have a blended family with 6 children. Tabitha’s oldest son, whom she had as a teen mom, is a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. Her father, grandmother, and grandfather were members of UAW Local 659, 651, and 659 in Flint, MI, respectively and worked on the line. Her grandmother was a nurse and her mother was a CNA at Hurley Hospital in Flint, MI. Many family members served in the military, including her father. Some family members were teachers or administrators in the Flint public school system.
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Minister Justin R. Williams hails all the way from Detroit Michigan where he was born and raised. Mininster Justin moved to Kalamazoo Michigan in 2004. He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University in 2008. His Major was Management and his Minored was General Business. He currently is employed as a Property Manager for Eenhoorn LLC (Grand Rapids) since 2015. Min. Justin serves as an Associate Minister at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Kalamazoo Michigan under the leadership of Senior Pastor Dr. Addis Moore and First Lady Gwendolyn Moore (member since 2009). Additionally, Minister Justin serves as the Life Group Men's Facilitator, in the Music Ministry, Mime Ministry, and Youth Ministry. Minister J-Will (nickname) is happily married to his beautiful wife Brittany. They celebrated 9 years of marriage this past October 2021. Likewise, they are the parents of a beautiful 6 year old daughter named Journee Rae. Minister J-Will's favorite scripture is Isaiah Chapter 61.
Episode Topic: Thriving With Thorns - Advancing Through Adversity Focus Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 New Living Translation
Concerning Paul’s thorn in the flesh, he pleaded with God three times to take it from him. Did God just ignore the fact that Paul was crying out to him for help? No, God in fact did answer Paul. He said, ““My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” God wasn’t ignoring Paul’s pleas for help; He was telling Paul, “I’ve already given you everything you need to come out victoriously from this situation. My grace is My power given to you in the middle of your weakness. When you are weak on your own, I am strong in you! So, stop whining, stand up and use the weapons and power I have provided to you!” It was at this point that Paul’s attitude changed. He no longer complained to God about his situation. Paul realized that when trials came his way, they were simply an opportunity for God’s power to be strong in his life! He learned to boast in his own weaknesses with the realization that even in the weakness of his flesh, the grace-supplied power of God on the inside of him enabled him to live in peace, joy, and victory. See, without the grace of God, we are unable to live victoriously in this life. However, we are not without His grace! His grace is what enables us to overcome any obstacle we may face. We have already been given everything we need to live in victory! It doesn’t matter what may come against us, we are more than conquerors.
Episode Talking Points:
Your Thorn serves a Purpose v7. Defining Thorns?, Why are they there? God allows thorns to keep us from becoming proud.
Your Thorn shows God's Working Power v8-9. God gives us grace to deal with our thorn. He won't always take them away, yet He gives us His power to bear them. Oftentimes when you allow the thorn to work in your life, you experience first hand God's grace in the middle of your weakness.
Your Thorn shifts your Perspective v10 - Changed mindset, changed behavior; consciously deciding to allow God to work; your walk matters when you are experiencing thorns.
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Tacarra Cannon was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She currently resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Ms. Cannon is a Master student focusing on Healthcare Leadership at Western Governor’s University. She currently is employed as a Financial Navigator in one of Kalamazoo Michigan’s hospital cancer center settings. Ms. Cannon is a mother of a beautiful 12-year-old daughter. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from of Western Michigan University. Ms. Cannon currently attends Western Governor’s University where she is pursuing a Master’s in Healthcare Leadership.
Ms. Cannon is a delegate in the Ms. Full-Figured U.S.A Michigan Pageant. The pageant will be held on April 30th, 2022, in Detroit, Michigan. In her spare time she enjoys acting in stage plays and spending time traveling her daughter and significant other.
In her emerging role as a Financial Navigator, Tacarra realizes the crucial advocacy role she plays in helping her patients navigate the burdensome cost of their cancer treatment.
Help Tacarra compete in Ms. Full Figured USA, Michigan
Go Fund Me: https://gofund.me/0e29315b PayPal: tacarrafayell89@aol.com
Cash App: $tahcarrah
Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/TacarraMsFFUSA
Tickets: https://m.bpt.me/event/5367377
The treatment of chronic illnesses like cancer and autoimmune diseases has advanced dramatically. New treatment options, such as targeted immunotherapies, are showing great promise. But these advances come at great cost. In 2013, an estimated thirteen million people died from cancer and autoimmune diseases. By 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expect this spending to reach $173-$207 billion. But these advances come at a price. In 2013, an estimated $115 billion was spent on healthcare related to cancer alone. Most of these costs are transferred to patients through higher out-of-pocket expenses, including premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. These costs affect patients' quality of life and treatment adherence. So, how can healthcare providers help patients who are experiencing high out-of-pocket costs for their prescription medications? Patients may not understand how to access these treatments without running the risk of financial ruin. So, how can healthcare providers assist patients who are paying high out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications? Patients may not be aware of how to obtain treatment without risking financial ruin. Health providers should place a high priority on reducing patient financial risk. An emerging healthcare profession, known as financial navigation, offers tremendous potential for easing financial barriers for patients seeking expensive treatments. The purpose of financial navigation is to reduce financial barriers to healthcare, which will help patients gain access to care by guiding them through our complex healthcare system.
In today’s episode Ms. Cannon and I will have an in-depth conversation regarding how she helps to remove financial barriers of cancer treatment and facilitate access to needed treatment.
Pastor Mae was a happily married wife to Eugene, her husband for several years. Then suddenly she started noticing changes in their communication, Eugene started lying and avoiding her, he became indifferent towards her, and there were changes in their sex life. Soon she found out a secret that would change the trajectory of their lives forever. Her beloved husband had been unfaithful with another women over the course of a year. His unfaithfulness had left Mae utterly broken, humbled, and repentant. Over the course of several years and much prayer, Mae sensed God calling her to stay in her marriage. Join us today for a cadid discussion on the topic, "Forgiving your spouse after adultery."
Pastor Mae F. Davis answered God’s call into the ministry and received her license to preach the gospel on April 24, 1994. Pastor William J. Scott of Second Pilgrim Baptist Church was her mentor and he ordained her on May 3, 1998. While under the tutelage of Pastor Scott, she served as the Assistant to the Pastor, Youth Director, United Voices Choir, chairperson of the Women’s Day Ministry, teacher for both the Church School Department and Wednesday night Bible Class and she was a member of the Mass Choir. Likewise, because of her great love for praise and worship, in 1995, Pastor Mae became a member of Pastor Robert M. Preston and Wondrous Gospel Choir. Having been born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and is a product of its public school system. Her love for education led her to earn a Certificate in Christian Ministries from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, also known as Palmers Theological Seminary. Pastor Davis is retired from the City of Philadelphia, Division of Disease Control. However, while employed with the City of Philadelphia, she established a prayer and a bible study class for her coworkers. The class was met for five consistently years.
In 2002 she and her husband organized the Greater Works Christian Ministries Community Bible Study, which became the Greater Works Christian Ministries church. Soon after the Greater Works Christian Ministries Church was organized, and after much prayer, God revealed another assignment. The church was submitted to her son and daughter-in-law, Pastors Troy and Trina Davis of New Life Kingdom Centre, located 120 E. Baltimore Pike, in Lansdowne, Pa. During her season serving in the ministry, Pastor Mae along with her husband were ordained Elders, October 29, 2006. On November 19, 2012 God reassigned Pastor Mae Davis and her husband Pastor Eugene Davis to go back to the birth place of Greater Works Christian Ministries, where they now serve as Pastors/Founders of the ministry.
Pastor Mae, as she is affectionally called, has an entrepreneurial spirit, she was a Fashion Jewelry Consultant for Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry and currently manages Kingdom Pastries. She’s an author who wrote for a monthly online magazine (Divine Inspirations Magazine) for three years. On March 16, 2013, and Jun 8, 2013, Pastor Mae released her first gospel musical stage play, "The First Lady." As a result of that project she established the MazyDay Production Company, LLC. Moreover, Pastor Mae also founded a summer Performing Arts Camps at her church for the youth and teenagers. Additionally, in September 2017 she released her first book, "One Day At A Time, Using God’s Word and the Calendar to Perfect Your Marriage."
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Facebook: Mae Frances Davis https://www.facebook.com/mae.f.davis
YouTube: SISTAS IN THE PULPIT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w48pAsH4tRk " "One Day At A Time" ,Mae Frances Davis https://www.facebook.com/mae.f.davis
CashApp: $PastorMaeDavis
Melanie Lee Haymon Mocha House Productions / Melanie's Mocha Meals Educator / Culinary Nutritionist
Our special guest is Melanie Lee Haymon a career educator with the Los Angeles Unified School District, certified yoga instructor, gardener, certified culinary nutritionist, living & raw food enthusiast, and certified health minister.
She became interested in health and wellness after a high school family research project. In college her interest deepened with a similar research project, and it was revealed that her paternal family has a high incidence of diabetes. Many of the elders had passed from complications from hypertension.
Melanie decided then that she wasn't going to contract diabetes or hypertension. Diabetes and hypertension are preventable with proper education and diet. Melanie learned that you don't have to inherit the family disease(s). Melanie focus is assisting her family, friends, and seniors with adjusting or changing their eating habits.
Her business, Mocha House Productions supports Melanie's Mocha Meals. Emoji where a little mocha makes it a lot better!
She will talk with us about our spiritual connection to food.
TALKING POINTS
OUR SPIRITUAL CONNECTION TO FOOD
Raw
Foods that heal
Food combinations
BE ACTIVE
It is your life!
Be mindful of food, stress, people!!
Movement, walk, swim, dance, travel!!!
ORGANIC
Backyard / neighborhood gardening
Local farmers markets
SHARE
CONTACT INFORMATION
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook@ Melanie Lee Haymon
EMAIL: HaymonLee2@yahoo.com
Connect with Emerging HOPE Ministries (EHM) online!
Visit EHM's Website: https://www.emerginghopefsp.org/
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Apostle Dr. Bertha M. Jones
Ecclesiastical Experience:
For more than 25 years, Apostle Jones has been teaching and preaching the Word of God. She was ordained an Elder in 1995 and consecrated and affirmed to the Office of Apostle in 2002. She is the founder of Zion Temple of the Apostolic Faith Church Worldwide, Kalamazoo, MI. She is the Senior Pastor of Mt. Carmel Miracle Temple, Baltimore, MD.
Most recently, she has launched the Universal Church Without Walls Global Fellowship of Churches whose Mission is Teaching, Preaching and Reaching to spread the Gospel throughout the world, and to develop Teams of local evangelists and cross-cultural missionaries committed to evangelize in third-world countries. She is the Chief Apostle over churches in Baltimore, MD, Monrovia, Liberia, Bungoma, Kenya, Amuria, Uganda, Petron-ville, Haiti, Manila, Philippines and Tuni, India.
She has planted 4 churches in the United States. She is a sought-after Conference Speaker and Evangelist. She is the President and founder of the Zion Temple Bible College and Theological Seminary. She has been called to the Nations and has led crusades in Tanzania, Africa, ministering to 5 nations, South Africa, Uganda, Malawi, Congo and Kenya. She has also led crusades in Bungoma, Kenya and Monrovia, Liberia. Public Sector
Experience:
She retired from Federal Service in 2004 with 36 years of experience, serving 32 years with the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. The other years of service were with the US Dept. of Treasury and the US Post Office Dept.
She is called to prepare people for the coming of the Lord. served in many capacities with community organizations and is a member of the Pastors United in Battle (PUB) and has served on the Executive Board of the Northside Ministerial Alliance in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Memberships/Organizations: Former Executive Board Member of the Northside Ministerial Alliance, Kalamazoo, Michigan and the New Destiny Fellowship of Apostles and Prophets. Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. She is a current member of the Pastors United in Battle (PUB), Dumphries, Virginia.
On today's episode our featured guest Dr. Apostle Bertha Jones shares her story of PAIN,TRAUMA, AND TRIUMPH for the first time with our audience. After years of living with extreme suffering from rejection and low self-esteem, this anointed Woman of God shares her incredible story of victory and deliverance.
CONTACT INFORMATION Email: Ziontemple2@gmail.com Personal Email: apostlewog70@gmail.com CashApp $jonesministry
Bishop Dr. Robert Locklear Dr. Robert L. Locklear, Jr. was born in the city of Raleigh, NC. He began his spiritual relationship and was born again in 1977. He received the baptism Holy Gift on January 21, 1978. In 1983 God called Dr. Locklear to the preaching and teaching ministry, while still a high school student. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Data Processing from Rutledge Business College, a Bachelor and a Masters of Theology from Beacon University/CLST, and a Master of Divinity from the former Apex school of Theology. In January 2020, he successfully defended his dissertation and earned his Doctorate of Ministry. His project was entitled “A Model of Pastoral Care for African American Pastors in Wake County, North Carolina with Depression” which was in partial fulfilment of the Leading for Congregational Change Cohort. In May of 1998 he founded the New Birth Apostolic Church in Raleigh, NC. In November of 2010 Dr. Locklear was consecrated to the office of Bishop, becoming a “Prince in the Kingdom of God” and a “Protector of the Faith” by the laying on of hands of the presbyters of VFOC and the College of Bishops. In the same year he also became the Presiding Prelate of Repairing the Breach Ministries, Inc. Dr. Locklear has traveled ministering the gospel of Jesus Christ both national and internationally around the US, Canada, and Nassau through tent revivals, seminars, workshops, television and radio and personally covering churches in Nassau and NC. Dr. Locklear has been married to Lady Carolyn Locklear since 1987. They are blessed with three beautiful daughters Ashley, Tiffany, Tacari, and two grandchildren, Nakhyla and Maximus Liam.
We invite you to join us today for this cutting-edge episode as we discuss the topic of Christian Marriage. Talking Points: 1. What is biblical marriage 2. The origin/ author of marriage 3. The man in the marriage/ roles responsibilities 4. The woman in the marriage/roles/responsibilities 5. The churches pattern after marriage The Bible has a lot to say about my marriage and provides amazing examples regardless of which season you or your spouse may be in.
Connect with Bishop Dr. Robert Locklear on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrRobertLock... Twitter: New Birth Apostolic Church @newbirthnc Website: newbirth1.org
Apostle Dr. Bertha M. Jones
Ecclesiastical Experience:
For more than 25 years, Apostle Jones has been teaching and preaching the Word of God. She was ordained an Elder in 1995 and consecrated and affirmed to the Office of Apostle in 2002. She is the founder of Zion Temple of the Apostolic Faith Church Worldwide, Kalamazoo, MI. She is the Senior Pastor of Mt. Carmel Miracle Temple, Baltimore, MD.
Most recently, she has launched the Universal Church Without Walls Global Fellowship of Churches whose Mission is Teaching, Preaching and Reaching to spread the Gospel throughout the world, and to develop Teams of local evangelists and cross-cultural missionaries committed to evangelize in third-world countries.
She is the Chief Apostle over churches in Baltimore, MD, Monrovia, Liberia, Bungoma, Kenya, Amuria, Uganda, Petron-ville, Haiti, Manila, Philippines and Tuni, India. She has planted 4 churches in the United States. She is a sought-after Conference Speaker and Evangelist. She is the President and founder of the Zion Temple Bible College and Theological Seminary. She has been called to the Nations and has led crusades in Tanzania, Africa, ministering to 5 nations, South Africa, Uganda, Malawi, Congo and Kenya. She has also led crusades in Bungoma, Kenya and Monrovia, Liberia. Public Sector
Experience:
She retired from Federal Service in 2004 with 36 years of experience, serving 32 years with the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. The other years of service were with the US Dept. of Treasury and the US Post Office Dept.
She is called to prepare people for the coming of the Lord. served in many capacities with community organizations and is a member of the Pastors United in Battle (PUB) and has served on the Executive Board of the Northside Ministerial Alliance in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Memberships/Organizations: Former Executive Board Member of the Northside Ministerial Alliance, Kalamazoo, Michigan and the New Destiny Fellowship of Apostles and Prophets. Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. She is a current member of the Pastors United in Battle (PUB), Dumphries, Virginia.
On today's episode our featured guest Dr. Apostle Bertha Jones shares her story of PAIN,TRAUMA, AND TRIUMPH for the first time with our audience. After years of living with extreme suffering from rejection and low self-esteem, this anointed Woman of God shares her incredible story of victory and deliverance.
Viewers Discretion is advised .
CONTACT INFORMATION Email: Ziontemple2@gmail.com Personal Email: apostlewog70@gmail.com CashApp $jonesministry
Apostle Dr. Bertha M. Jones
Ecclesiastical Experience:
For more than 25 years, Apostle Jones has been teaching and preaching the Word of God. She was ordained an Elder in 1995 and consecrated and affirmed to the Office of Apostle in 2002. She is the founder of Zion Temple of the Apostolic Faith Church Worldwide, Kalamazoo, MI. She is the Senior Pastor of Mt. Carmel Miracle Temple, Baltimore, MD.
Most recently, she has launched the Universal Church Without Walls Global Fellowship of Churches whose Mission is Teaching, Preaching and Reaching to spread the Gospel throughout the world, and to develop Teams of local evangelists and cross-cultural missionaries committed to evangelize in third-world countries.
She is the Chief Apostle over churches in Baltimore, MD, Monrovia, Liberia, Bungoma, Kenya, Amuria, Uganda, Petron-ville, Haiti, Manila, Philippines and Tuni, India. She has planted 4 churches in the United States. She is a sought-after Conference Speaker and Evangelist. She is the President and founder of the Zion Temple Bible College and Theological Seminary. She has been called to the Nations and has led crusades in Tanzania, Africa, ministering to 5 nations, South Africa, Uganda, Malawi, Congo and Kenya. She has also led crusades in Bungoma, Kenya and Monrovia, Liberia. Public Sector
Experience:
She retired from Federal Service in 2004 with 36 years of experience, serving 32 years with the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. The other years of service were with the US Dept. of Treasury and the US Post Office Dept.
She is called to prepare people for the coming of the Lord. served in many capacities with community organizations and is a member of the Pastors United in Battle (PUB) and has served on the Executive Board of the Northside Ministerial Alliance in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Memberships/Organizations: Former Executive Board Member of the Northside Ministerial Alliance, Kalamazoo, Michigan and the New Destiny Fellowship of Apostles and Prophets. Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. She is a current member of the Pastors United in Battle (PUB), Dumphries, Virginia.
On today's episode our featured guest Dr. Apostle Bertha Jones shares her story of PAIN,TRAUMA, AND TRIUMPH for the first time with our audience. After years of living with extreme suffering from rejection and low self-esteem, this anointed Woman of God shares her incredible story of victory and deliverance.
Viewers Discretion is advised .
CONTACT INFORMATION Email: Ziontemple2@gmail.com Personal Email: apostlewog70@gmail.com CashApp $jonesministry
Dr. Ketra L. Davenport-King an Award-Winning Author of the 2021 Henri Christian Literary Awards. Dr. Ketra has written a fictional memoir (Seeing Beyond The Shattered Glass) based on her true-life events that is easy to digest and will hopefully inspire victims of sexual abuse who have suffered in silence to speak their truth.
Armed with over 20 years of serving the community, Dr. Davenport-King is an advocate, speaker, mentor, coach, and philanthropist who has radically impacted the lives of believers under the flagship of her ministry. Dr. Ketra L. Davenport-King, a native of Dallas, Texas, received her Bachelor of Arts and Science in Christian Counseling, Master of Arts in Christian Education, and Master of Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University. She earned her Doctorate of Strategic Leadership from Regent University.
She has spent much of her life serving people in various capacities. One of her greatest joys is starting Life After Advocacy Group, Inc., in 2004, to help individuals who have been victims of sexual abuse recover and live a healthy life. Dr. Ketra opened the doors to Rock Dimensional Consulting (formally known as KLD Consulting Services) in 2005. Through RDC, she has spent the past 15 years coaching and training leaders, developing and educating church ministries, hosting leadership seminars, and workshops. Dr. Ketra is known for her innovative and engaging Leadership Seminar name, ‘The Leadership ReCourse’ designed to reconnect today’s leaders back to collaborative leadership. Dr. Ketra wholeheartedly believes, “when you live in a community, there should be a handprint of your work left behind for future generations.” She launched the North Vernon Women’s Community Bible Study group in 2015 to bridge the gap and bring together a diverse group of women to improve the family dynamic in underserved communities.
Connect with Dr. Ketra Dr. Ketra is an advocate available for speaking opportunities, panel discussions, workshops, mentoring programs, and keynote speaker. Check out Life After Advocacy Group, Inc. for more information. https://www.drketra.com/ https://www.facebook.com/authorDrKetra/ https://www.instagram.com/author_dr.k... https://twitter.com/DrKetra
Wayne L. Bond II has been an employee at Western Michigan University since 2011. He joined joined the WMU Career and Student Employment Services Department in 2017 as a Career Development Specialist. He brings experience working with people from all over the world. In his role, Wayne seeks to establish a culture in which the decisions and roles taken on by students at Western Michigan University can be refined to prepare them for their aspirations after graduating from WMU.
In his role, Wayne seeks to establish a culture in which the decisions and roles taken on by students at Western Michigan University can be refined to prepare them for their aspirations after graduating from WMU. He completed his undergraduate degree earning a B.S., Biology at Albion College, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and the Collegiate Basketball team. Wayne completed his master's degree in 2015 from WMU in the within the political science department with a focus on international administration development.
He currently has returned to school as an is a cohort member in the WMU sociology master’s program. When he is not working or studying, Wayne can be found relaxing with a book or catching up on his favorite shows. When the moment calls for it, Wayne can also be found also Hiking with his German Shepherd Hagrid or traveling. While graduating Highschool from Portage Central Highschool, Wayne grew up a military kid and was exposed to a wide range of languages and cultures growing up.
Wayne Bond has always been a fan of literature and has finally found a way to put that passion to use. In early 2020 when the Pandemic hit, he did everything he could to try to help out. This ranging from considering joining the National Guard to volunteering at every food drive he could. However, there was never a fit to give back. Until in February when a childhood friend that is currently an educator in the Arkansas public school system reached out for me to read to her classroom. Apparently while reading, the class was the best behaved they had been all day; and upon completion the majority of the questions were asking me if I had a YouTube channel. When asking if they would actually watch it, I was met with a resounding YES. Thus Mr. Bond started his YouTube channel Wayne Reads. The rest has been history.
Pull up a seat as Wayne and I discuss in-depth the topic of Intergenerational Dialogue. What are intergenerational issues? The advantage of bringingthe experience, wisdom and skills of different people, different generations is priceless. The kind of collective intelligence, shared meaning among generations can help us to build peaceful and emphatic societies. But how we can go for that on a bigger scale? How to make seniors and young people spending more time together, learning from each other, how to include mid-aged who are so busy today? It depends on people yet we can also create some environment for more intergenerational dialogue.
Follow "Wayne Reads" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY6T...
Robert M. Willis, a powerful preacher and teacher of the word of God, is an ordained elder and pastor of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Notably, he is an ordained teacher in the fivefold ministry and has keen revelatory insight.
He has been married for thirty-three years to his lovely wife Gale D. Willis. They have two adult children, Grant Willis, and Danielle Tubbs, and two grandchildren, Vincent Tubbs age 4, and Robert Tubbs age one. Elder Willis along with his wife, minister the Gospel on their live Facebook broadcast “Treasure in Earthen Vessels Ministry.” Accordingly, their ministry is a para - church ministry under the covering of Bishop Hugh D. Smith of Embassy Covenant Church International where they are faithful members. Their ministry has a national and international impact on nations such as Norway, Pakistan, Kenya, & Uganda. There are plans to expand the broadcast to other social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram.
Furthermore, Elder Willis was recently asked to provide ongoing ministry to ailing veterans at his local place of residence. He has an intense desire and passion to serve GOD and man according to the will of the LORD. Additionally, Elder Willis is a business owner and an entrepreneur. He owns and operates Fresh New Painting as a commercial painter, a prophetic music video channel "Saudade Moods," and oversees an online business, “Pedagogy Creations.” His online ministry is likened to a moving vessel profiler, one that is deploying in-time spiritual truths and that is utilizing keen spiritual insight to restore, recover, and reclaim lost souls. Likewise, being a man of great thoughts, Elder Willis desired to provide a resource to help people to process their thoughts by thinking aloud. He was aware that thinking aloud using Metacognitive Strategies would enhance a person's ability to monitoring their own comprehension of text, self-assessing and self-correcting in response to the self-assessment; whereby making them conscious of their internal dialogues. Therefore, Elder Willis was led to create an intriguing set of journals as a resource to help a people with the cognitive process of thinking aloud and to bring about awareness of a person's conscious internal dialogues. The journals are available for purchase on Amazon.com.
We invite you to pull up seat as Elder Willis and I have an in-depth conversation about Divine Narratives. The Divine Narrative is the story of scripture. It is the story of God’s relentless pursuit to reconcile everything—by the cross—in earth and in heaven. The biblical story naturally unfolds within the framework of a five-act stage play, inviting followers of Jesus of every generation to participate in the final act. Discover God’s story as never before, learn how to map your own life’s narrative, and how to join your story to HiStory.
In this podcast discussion we invite you to more fully know your God and yourself and to walk with him in a fresh and meaningful way! You may contact Elder Robert M. Willis via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorrobert... YouTube: Saudade Moods https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAjy... Metacognitive Journals: Available on Amazon.com You are cordially invited to tune in every Thursday at 7pm EST on Facebook for the Treasure in Earthen Vessels Ministry livestream bible study and prayer broadcast with Elder Robert M. Willis and Minister Gale D. Willis. If you desire to sow into Treasure in Earthen Vessels Ministry, you can do so via CashApp at: $TNEV180
The Lotus Flower Podcast Featured Guest: DORIS MARIAH HOPE
Discussion Topic: "Stuck on Stupid"
Pull up a front row seat and join us as we talk in-depth about what it means to be psychologically stuck, the healing process, breaking the silence, spirituality, and trusting yourself.
There are times in our lives that we must give as much commitment to healings as we do to surviving. Many people have experienced a tremendous amount of pain in their lives, and they just want it to stop. Moreover, there are times in our lives that we can become psychologically stuck. As a result, we are prevented from living a comfortable emotional life. Consequently, many years ago as our special guest was attempting to emotionally avoid a disheartening childhood memory. As a result, she used silence/secrecy, to protect herself from unpleasant thoughts and feelings. Incidentally, she found herself emotionally stuck for many, many years as the situation colored every aspect of her life. However, after years of agony, anguish, and stagnation; God graced her with the ability to embrace unfavorable situations and tenaciously navigate through them victoriously.
Ms. Doris Mariah Hope is a wise woman that provides us with information, insight, and windows of opportunity to view God at work in her life. Her life serves as an outstanding witness of what God can do when a person is intrinsically motivated to change and completely yielded to Him. Ms. Doris’ story has and will continue to impact many lives. I am thankful for the opportunity that our podcast audience will acquire as they learn from her mistakes, cry over her plight, delight in her triumphs; and are inspired by her discoveries of how God can shift the emotional needle from being “stuck on stupid” to resolution and stability.
Undoubtedly, as Ms. Doris realized what hindered her the most was her skill at being silent, she gave into the conviction of the Holy Spirit that would not allow her to rest emotionally with the secret. It was at that time and moment when she began to open her mouth and write about the unfortunate situation had taken place during her childhood. As a result of what she coins, “exposing the enemy,” her entire the world opened, she then realized that it was time to move forward with the process of healing. This newfound emotional freedom came whirling in like a horrendous tornado. Which was precipitated by a deep spiritual emotional liberty because of being freed from decades of mental bondage. Without question, Ms. Doris now uses her liberated voice to fight against social injustices.
You can reach out to Ms. Doris through all platforms of social media or her ministry’s email @ destined4mrehope@gmail.com. You may purchase Ms. Doris’ books on her website www.dorishope.com, on Amazon, or or Payhip. Be sure to register for Doris Hope Ministries Upcoming Hybrid Women’s Conference, which is being held on September 30th – October 1st. Theme: “I’m Birthing Me!” Registration is free. Visit www.dorishope.com to register today.
Our featured guest today, Ms. Dorla E. Bonner-Colemen, is a woman of strength. There is a vast difference between a strong woman and a woman of strength. A strong woman places her confidence in her own strength. The woman of strength realizes that she can do all things only through Christ who strengthens her. A woman of strength is true to herself. She is aware of her weaknesses, yet she chooses to live beyond her limitations. She does not dine at the table of defeat. She does not eat the bread of idleness, but her delight is in the law of the Lord, and she mediates in it day and night. On a day to day basis regardless of the opposition, she observes to do all that is written therein, and she has learned that the Master makes her way prosperous and she observes to do all that He commands. In like manner,
Dorla's life testimony beautifully reflects the characteristics of a strong woman of God. Notably, she was blessed to be born in a family with a love for God and for each other. She is the 9th of 11 children born to H. J. and Martha Coleman. Her father was a pastor and her mom worked right by his side while managing the upbringing of their very large family. Not only was there a love for God but for learning and education. Dorla followed in that love for education, earning a bachelor’s in business administration, Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership, a certification from Cornell University in Diversity and Inclusion and advanced coursework in Public Administration. She is in her 11th year of employment with the City of Kalamazoo currently serving as the City’s inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Dorla is the proud mother of Anthony II and Brandi and granny of Arielle. Dorla was raised to love God and was blessed to drawn into a life changing relationship with the Lord at 21 and has been walking with Him since then. Walking with him though much suffering, through many mistakes and with many miracles. Dorla’s testimony is that she is humbled by God’s grace in her life, that through it all God keeps her. A licensed minister, many of the messages God gives her is to encourage with hope that you can make it through these hard times. It is not a theory for her it is her life story.
“At the end of the day, the enemy is going to be sorry he ever messed with you. You’re about to become his worst nightmare a million times over. He thought he could wear you down, sure that after a while you’d give up without much of a fight. Well, just wait till he encounters the fight of God’s Spirit in you. Because ... This. Means. War.” ― Priscilla Shirer
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Reverend Dr. Karlene Fyffe Phillips
Pull up a front row seat an listen to this cutting-edge discussion as Reverend Dr. Phillips and I talk in-depth about the topic of "Responding and Coping with the Loss of a Loved One." There are time in our lives that "Life hits us and it hurts." We may look fine from on the exterior, we may dress the part, and we may put on our plastic smiles; because after all we are Christians and that's what we are supposed to. However, when we remove the makeup, take off the church clothes, unclip the weave, it will become extricability clear that life hurts. And you will have to cry sometimes no matter how much you love Jesus.
According to one of my most favorite theologians, Dr. Tony Evans, "Life does hurt. And Jesus knew it would. He said, "In this world you will have tribulation, John 16:33 ESV. He didn't say "you might" have troubles and difficulties. Jesus said you, and I will have pain, hurt, and struggles."
On our podcast today Reverend Dr. Phillips shares with from both a theological position of platitudes on pain and from a heart position. She liberally shares an array of spiritual nuggets to help you face pain and hurt. As well as, provides "lived" examples of how to respond and cope with the loss of loved ones.
As the daughter of a Preacher and an Evangelist, Rev. Phillips accepted the Lord at an early age. Through the myriad challenges of the teen years, she stayed the course due to her reliance on God’s all-sufficient grace. Her passion for ministry blossomed in high school when she initiated a daily lunch time bible study. While in high school and college she was active in the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. Rev. Phillips has been honored to serve in various capacities to help spread the Gospel in schools, youth camps, nursing homes and churches, locally and abroad.
Rev. Phillips joined Beacon Light Missionary Baptist Church in 2013 and is honored to serve as an Associate Minister and Director of Christian Education. She also leads the Outreach and Prayer ministries, and currently assists Rev. Burke by leading weekly virtual Bible Study since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. She is grateful for the strong mentorship of her pastor, Rev. Dr. Clarence Burke and Drs. Maxwell and Long of Triangle School of Theology. Rev. Phillips supports and advances the work of the Durham community by serving on various boards and committees.
Rev. Phillips has a Bachelor of Arts degree from The College of New Rochelle and a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the City University of NY. She graduated with honors from Apex School of Theology with both a Master of Divinity and a Doctorate degree. Rev. Phillips was married to Undray Phillips, Sr., a faithful member of Beacon Light Missionary Baptist Church who went home to be with the Lord in 2019. She has a son who calls New York City home, and a daughter who resides in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Having served twenty-two years with Durham County Government, ten years with the world renown Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NYC, and earning a Doctor of Ministry degree, Karlene operates with a servant’s heart. She looks forward to continued service in the church and community as she humbly allows the Lord to direct her steps.
Her guiding passage of Scripture is 2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness.
The episode is live on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/qlAuXYXkX-4
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The Lotus Flower Podcast - Special Guest
Ms. Sheryl Lynn Haymon
Owner By Sheryl Lynn Apparel LLC
Fashion Designer / Technical Designer
Inglewood, CA 90305
Growing up I seemed average, just sewing and changing McCalls, Simplicity, and Butterick patterns into something else. After graduating from Thomas A. Edison High School in Fresno CA my goal was to attend college. I completed three semesters at California State University, Fresno and found that it was not for me as the required general education classes were just that, general. The university Fashion classes seemed elementary I wasn’t challenged so I moved on. Thank God for wise counsel, which came through my Aunt Bertha Parker of Pasadena CA, she told me about fashion college. I moved to Southern California to attend Los Angeles Trade Technical College and another world opened up, I loved it and exceeded with my courses! After earning my Associate in Arts Fashion Design Degree, I completed another two-year course study at Los Angeles Trade Technical College to receive a completion Certificate in Tailoring.
As I began my career in the Los Angeles apparel industry, I continued to educate myself when possible. Completing UCLA Extension course “All About Business of Apparel Manufacturing-Marketing” in 1991. The world changed again this time in pattern making 1994 through present I’ve completed training from Gerber Garment Technology course for Apparel Computer Specialist to operate Silhouette and Pattern Design Systems. Successfully completed AccuMark Pattern Design Version 8, Version 9, CORE 9 AE, Version 10 awarded by Gerber Technology. PAD Elite 4.8 Computer Pattern Systems. Training OptiTex Pattern Design Version 9, Version 10 Fashion Design for computerized pattern making. Tuka Cad Design Pattern Making / Grading.
My career started when I was hired as a 1st Pattern Maker for Outrags of California. My career home became L’Koral Industries where I worked over 17 years. From 1st Pattern Maker, Production Pattern Maker, to Work Coordinator and only leaving to utilize more of my skills as a leader. GoldSign Jeans, Living Doll Los Angeles, Mighty Fine, Era Clothing and Parc & Peral Inc are a few companies I’ve had the pleasure of assisting in their design and pattern departments. I currently work in the apparel industry as a Production Pattern Maker /Technical Designer on a freelance bases. I’ve been happy in this career that chose me for over 35 years, and love the work that I do.
I’m extremely thankful that my Mother Juanita Ashley introduced me to sewing by helping her make choir uniforms for our church. Through my own business I’ve been able to use my talent for the Creator to help clothe His people. By Sheryl Lynn Apparel LLC makes clothes for all occasions. From custom fit jeans, bags, costumes, uniforms, choir robes, clergy robes, prom dresses to wedding gowns. Providing pattern service, sample development and duplicates to Fashion Designers who need assistance with developing their fashion collection.
Achievements / Interests
The Haymon Scholarship Fund 501c3 CA Non-Profit was established in August 1998 by Sheryl, Melanie, and Alesia Haymon, warmly known as the Haymon Sisters. We want to encourage the youth to excel, and help support students with no dependents entering into a university, college, or vocational program. We simply show that we care, share some wise counsel, and help financially where a little assistance is needed. It has been a blessing and joy to share our knowledge and wealth.
Our motto is simply: “It’s your life we’re just here to assist you with it.”
CONTACT
WEBSITE:
http://www.bysheryllynn.com/about
Our featured guest on this episode of the Lotus Flower is my nephew, Jarod Haymon.
Some relationships are exceptional. One such relation is of the aunts with their nephews. It could be because they are the replica of your siblings. They are loving, caring, and always there for you, like your brother or sister. Though younger, nephews make you feel comfortable and content.
They may have unique personalities. Some nephews are like thunderbolts, and whenever you look dull, they might suddenly appear dancing and singing, filling your vacuum with their zest. In contrast, some can be a bit shy but open their heart and start speaking about unending topics whenever they get comfortable.
If I could give my nephew one thing in life, it would be the ability to see himself through my eyes. Only then would he realize how special he is to me. I thank God to blessing me with the best nephew.
Jarod was born on October 1st, 1993, to (the late Mr./Ms. Will and Marilyn Haymon). He grew up in Stone Mountain, Georgia with his parents and three siblings (Jamal 1st Born, Kamil 2nd Born, and Kayla 4th born).
When Jarod was growing up, he had dreams of becoming a professional football player, playing for his local high school football team, and having his eyes set on college. But the Lord had different plans for Jarod’s life. At the early age of 17 Jarod made the brave decision to join the U.S. Navy. While in the military Jarod had many of accomplishments and achievements. An example of one was being meritoriously advanced to Petty Officer Third Class and becoming the Senior Warehouse Technician over four different sailors.
During Jarod’s time in the military is when he met his now wife, Patrycia. They have enjoyed eight years of marriage and have had three beautiful children whose names are Ava, Jaxon, and Anaya.
In the year of 2018 is when the Lord started calling Jarod back to the church. Jarod started to remember his parents taking him to church week in and week out. Never missing a Sunday service and how he was brought up on Christian principles. Starting to come to the realization that he had never surrendered his life to Christ Jarod made the life changing decision of being baptized in March of 2019.
From there Jarod has completely surrendered his life over to the Lord and has become a leader at his local church. And has also started his own street preaching ministry.
Jarod currently is working as a Fuels System Superintendent with an environmental agency called Weston Solutions. His hobbies are playing flag football, the guitar, and the occasional video game. His likes are spending quality time with his wife and kids and building a stronger relationship with them. Instilling in them the same morals and values his parents did him.
Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to the Lotus Flower Podcast at: https://rss.com/podcasts/lotusflower/
You may reach out to Jarod Haymon on he and his wife's YouTube Channel at: Boots 4 Peace Ministries - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDLixMCaM9ARy-KYDrNR62g
Please note: We apologize for the technical difficulties with the advertisements contained in this podcast episode. Please note this was our first attempt at dynamic ad insertion which is the most fundamental part of podcast advertising technology.
Thank you for joining us for the Lotus Flower Podcast - "2022 Revamping Presentation."
Happy New Year! Our goal for 2022 is success! We re-launched our platform with several improvements in performance and new features. We now have new and exciting tools including audio enhancement and monetization of our show via dynamic advertisement insertion., and much more to help us grow our podcast in the upcoming months, stay tuned
We’re proud to announce that we have exceeded our goal of gaining 700 dedicated podcast followers by the end of the year 2021! We currently have 732 dedicated podcast followers!
As you listen to and/or watch this episode, you will learn about our podcast enhancements. We will show a sneak preview of our current advertisements. You will learn about our podcast Podcast Aim, Analytics Dashboard, Podcast Audience Demographics, Client Applications, and much more.
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Reverend Dr. Pamela Robinson
Latika Gordon was born in Brooklyn, New York. She was raised in a loving home that consisted of her parents, two brothers and one sister. She and her family moved to the small community of Penney Farms, Florida in the summer of 2001.
Having grown up around music and the arts, her love for creative arts grew naturally as a child. She fondly recalls her love for music spurring to a new musical height, after receiving an electric piano as a Christmas gift from her parents. Conversely, throughout her life, Latika has always been fascinated by images, colors, and music. Naturally, she was drawn to sketching, drawing, painting, singing, and musical instruments. Accordingly, her interest in the Arts was cultivated during her teenage years and further developed when she began to sing in the choir at her church and oversee the churches' Music and Arts programs.
Latika is an artist who enjoys using her talents to serve God and to make people smile. She has an internal craving always to give. Latika sees the potential of all things and that includes in people. As an established and well-respected talent in the music community, Latika maintains a multi-faceted presence as an artist, songstress, pianist, educator, and composer.
Additionally, Lakita has worked in the Marketplace as an Insurance Agent over the last ten years. Moreover, having founded Tika Eclectic Music and Arts; she is a successful entrepreneur with a thriving business. Notably, her business offers customized art pieces, commissioned art, wearable art, piano lessons, beginner guitar lessons, paint parties, and event work with live acoustic music.
Per Lakita, Art makes people optimistic about their future. Art can be used to help spread a message of inspiration, making people achieve remarkable things in life. Art can be a form of communication between people, to focus on common issues for the betterment of humankind. Inspirational music is the best form of creative art. Art is food for the soul. Art makes you question things, the sublime and the mundane. Art stirs your emotions and makes you feel alive. Art takes you on a journey - to places you've never been, never likely to go - and sometimes would never want to go to. With art we can live vicariously through others love, grief, pain, and joy. Without art we just hollow vessels.
Lakita is an artist like no other! She will hypnotize you with her vocals and with her design on a dime beautiful painting. Unequivocally, Lakita approaches teaching with a combination of encouragement, insight, and patience, helping each student get from where they are to where they want to be in their musical journey. Treating every student as an individual, Lakita takes the time to understand each child's (or adult's) strengths, weaknesses, and goals in working to create a plan for success. There are many paths to the top of the mountain.
To this end, her dream is to build confidence and children by showing them that they can do things they never thought possible. She strives to help level the playing field for children from under-resourced communities by ensuring that all children have access to high-quality music education and art education, no matter their background or circumstance.
You may contact Lakita on her Tika Eclectic Music and Arts Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/TikaEclecticMusicAndArts.
Be sure to “Like” her page to see her wearable art collection.
Lalonie Willhite resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan and is the mother of three children. She is the Founder and CEO of Dream of Kalamazoo Hair Salon, LLC, a licensed cosmetology instructor, licensed cosmetologist, and an author.
Aside from doing hair, Lalonie enjoys being a part of hair shows around the world, watching other stylists’ creations while creating fascinating and extremely unique styles of her own. In her spare time, she creates items out of hair, such as shoes, vests, coats, and hairpieces, to name a few.
Her debut book, I've Already Made It! Breaking barriers through listening, prayer, and faith, has inspired her to speak more to people about her life experiences. Lalonie is dedicated to helping others in their fight to climb out of the many situations they may have endured in their life. She hopes to continue to inspire and make a change in the world we live in by sharing her story to anyone needing to clearly understand that they have already made it as long as they have God on their side.
As a young girl, she was thrown in the foster care and adoption system. She endured abandonment, homelessness, physical and mental abuse. Lalonie had no one to help her figure out how to sift through the hurt and pain and make sense of what she was going through.
Lalonie cried out . . . and God listened to her. He took her hand and walked her through this thing called life. He showed her it didn’t matter if she didn’t have anyone by her side because He was all she needed. All her suffering and pain was going to pay off if she would just hang on. He showed her not only how to become free mentally, but how to come into her own as a woman, how to bless others, and how to succeed and be the best version of herself.
To order Lalonie’s book “I've Already Made It! Breaking barriers through listening, prayer, and faith;” as well as the companion workbook “I've Already Made It!,” an invaluable guide designed to prompt the reader to write their life story for reflection, visit www.Lalonie.com.
Whatever Goal or Dream you are wanting to achieve in life make sure it’s ordered by God; you will Never lose.
Lalonie
Our featured guest today is Jessica Fitzgerald, CLU®, ChFC®, FLMI®
Jessica Fitzgerald is a devout Christian, wife, mother, friend to many, and sister in Christ to even more. She has enjoyed a long-standing career with State Farm Insurance as an Agency Recruiter. Jessica has a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in Personal Financial Planning and will complete her Master’s in Organizational Leadership degree in June of 2022. She has earned numerous insurance and financial designations including the Chartered Financial Consultant, Chartered Life Underwriter, Fellow Life Management Institute, and insurance producer licensing. In the coming months Jessica will have her own State Farm agency.
Besides her career she also has a passion for the outdoors. She especially enjoys bringing others out to experience adventures in nature who may not have had the opportunity before. Jessica believes God’s beautiful creation all around us has a plethora of benefits for us. Therefore, she loves to be active outdoors and to bring others outside along with her.
Due to her passion for nature and a desire for disenfranchised urban youth to experience natural surroundings, Jessica started Active Outdoor Connections. The program’s mission is to show God’s unconditional love while working with the under-served community. It is her desire to provide opportunities for urban youth to experience God’s world outside their own small section of it; all while enjoying a healthy active lifestyle, and to getting outside their comfort zone in a safe way to experience the boundless joy and growth of accomplishing challenges.
Jessica has spent a copious amount of time frequenting national parks, camp grounds, and forest areas. While frequenting these places, she realized that there was unbalanced participation and attendance at many of the parks and recreational areas between white people and people of color. Jessica was burdened in her spirit by what she perceived to be an unfair problem. She could not find rest in her spirit until she found a solution; no matter if the solution only would benefit her small sphere of the world, i.e., urban communities in West Michigan.
Driven by her unrest and a desire to rectify the problem, Jessica started Active Outdoor Connections Program, a culturally relevant, year-round nature-based program for urban and underserved youth.
Jessica said when she was a child, she grew up poor. Her family had little money for recreational activities. Some of her earliest memories are of spending vast amounts of time playing outside; whereby her immense love for “all things nature” was birthed. Presently, as an avid nature enthusiast, Jessica has come to understand how the Lord was using her meager beginnings as a child to shape her for an outdoor nature ministry with urban youth.
As the host of the Lotus Flower Podcast, I personally believe all our experiences have shaped us into who we are today. God uses each experience, good and bad, to grow us spiritually and mold us into the likeness of Jesus and to shape us for the unique purposes he has for our lives. He does not want even one of our life experiences to be wasted. I am a firm believer that our life experience is one of the most overlooked ways that God uses to shape us for the way He wants us to serve Him and others in this world.
Accordingly, as Jessica looked back over her life experiences, she realized the hand of God was on her life to the degree that she responded in a tangible way, birthing The Active Outdoor Connections Program.
Our special guest today is Dr. Ketra L. Davenport-King an Award-Winning Author of the 2021 Henri Christian Literary Awards.
Dr. Ketra has written a fictional memoir (Seeing Beyond The Shattered Glass) based on her true-life events that is easy to digest and will hopefully inspire victims of sexual abuse who have suffered in silence to speak their truth.
The fictional memoir is depicted through the eyes of the character Kassidie Noel Winters; Kassidie is tired of living behind shattered glass! She was a child full of joy, laughter, and pure innocence. At the age of six, her life drastically changed forever by the one person she trusted. The dark hole left by being robbed of her innocence became filled with low self-esteem, anger, and poor decisions that would follow her into adulthood. Through professional counseling, Kassidie unlocks the buried parts of her past to face her childhood struggles, forgive her abuser, and put the shattered pieces in her life back together. From the first page of the book to the explosive ending, the reader will experience Kassidie's pain, recovery, and ultimately her triumph.
About Dr. Ketra
Charismatic, Energetic, and Captivating are words that describe the personality of Dr. Ketra. Armed with over 20 years of serving the community, Dr. Davenport-King is an advocate, speaker, mentor, coach, and philanthropist who has radically impacted the lives of believers under the flagship of her ministry. Dr. Ketra L. Davenport-King, a native of Dallas, Texas, received her Bachelor of Arts and Science in Christian Counseling, Master of Arts in Christian Education, and Master of Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University. She earned her Doctorate of Strategic Leadership from Regent University.
She has spent much of her life serving people in various capacities. One of her greatest joys is starting Life After Advocacy Group, Inc., in 2004, to help individuals who have been victims of sexual abuse recover and live a healthy life. Dr. Ketra opened the doors to Rock Dimensional Consulting (formally known as KLD Consulting Services) in 2005. Through RDC, she has spent the past 15 years coaching and training leaders, developing and educating church ministries, hosting leadership seminars, and workshops.
Dr. Ketra is known for her innovative and engaging Leadership Seminar name, ‘The Leadership ReCourse’ designed to reconnect today’s leaders back to collaborative leadership. Dr. Ketra wholeheartedly believes, “when you live in a community, there should be a handprint of your work left behind for future generations.” She launched the North Vernon Women’s Community Bible Study group in 2015 to bridge the gap and bring together a diverse group of women to improve the family dynamic in underserved communities.
Acccording to Dr. Ketra, ""The Struggle Has no Hold on the Outcome."
Connect with Dr. Ketra
https://www.drketra.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorDrKetra/
https://www.instagram.com/author_dr.ketra/
https://twitter.com/DrKetra
Her latest accomplishment is ReveLAYtion A Novel "When your Blurred Past, Meets your Present."
The official release date for ReveLAYtion is November 29, 2021 . Order your autographed copy http://DRKETRA.com.
Annette Marie Haymon Brooks was born May 20, 1957, to Reverend John and Mamie Haymon of Penney Farms, Florida. She is the second oldest of nine children. Her baby brother Reverend John Jon Haymon went home to be with the Lord several years ago. Penney Farms, FL was her childhood home where she lived with her loving family. Upon completing high school, she left home to attend Florida State College, where in 1979 she graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing degree.
She met her husband Reginald Brooks in 1980 at a small hospital in Jacksonville, Fl. He was a pharmacist, and she was a registered nurse on the floor. After dating for six months, they were married on March 9, 1980. It was love at first sight. God blessed them with three beautiful children: Reginald II, Jonathan, and Kimberly. Reginald is married and has three beautiful daughters. Unexpectedly, her soulmate, husband, and best friend passed away with a brain aneurysm February 16, 2000.
Annette currently is retired after 40 years of nursing. She now resides in the New Hope Community of Penney, Farms, Fl with her family and friends. She enjoys spending time at church where she serves as the mission president and the church clerk. She also enjoys spending time her grandchildren, siblings, and friends.
In our candid discussion today my first cousin Annette and I will talk about how she chose effective ways of bailing out the water in the boat of her life. To the degree that her choices afforded her the opportunity to avoid a life mired by insecurity, despair, and chaos. As a result, she was able to enjoy the beauty and goodness in life even under adverse conditions.
The Water in the Boat Metaphor
Water is a symbol of life, of purification, and of hope. The boat was a very early Christian symbol. It has been used to represent the Church itself reaching a safe haven with its Christian souls onboard, thus a symbol of safety.
This metaphor is setting a context and a direction for resiliency, acceptance, commitment, purpose, love, exploration, self-esteem, connection, safety, security, and growth.
Imagine that life was like navigating a sailing boat. During your life, you have picked up the skills necessary to sail your boat and you have a sense of where you are taking this boat. At some point in your learning to sail, you have learned that from time to time, waves may wash over the bow, and you will find yourself with water in your boat.
The usual response that people have when water is in their boat is as follows: sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, a choking sensation, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, fear of losing your mind, fear of dying, feeling hot or cold, numbness or tingling, and heart palpitations.
At this point in your journey, you must do the most sensible and logical thing: get rid of the water. You have been using that bailer a lot. Sometimes bailing quickly, sometimes bailing carefully, sometimes bailing wildly, sometimes bailing desperately. And in your experience, have you managed to get rid of the water yet? And all this time that you have been bailing, what has been happening to the direction and progress your boat has been making? Is it fair to say that you have been bailing more than you have been sailing this boat?
Now, what if you were to one day really look at the bailer and see that it was full of holes? What would you have to do first? This metaphor suggests that the problem is not that there is water in the boat, but that the boat is being dragged or slowed down by an anchor; the anchor essentially being likened to the problems of life. Yet, Annette graciously shares with us how to remove the water from the boat and how to keep it at bay.
Food for thought: There's a storm out over the ocean and it's moving this a way. If your soul's not anchored in Jesus you will surely drift away
Welcome to the Lotus Flower Podcast I am your host Dr. Pamela Robinson.
The Lotus Flower Podcast aim is to educate, equip, and empower our listening audience while sharing spiritually uplifting, culturally relevant educational topics.
The Lotus Flower grows in the deep mud, far away from the sun. But, sooner or later, the Lotus reaches the light becoming the most beautiful flower ever. Its characteristics are a perfect analogy for the human condition: even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the Lotus produces the most beautiful flower.
The very delicate flowers are likened to that of the lives of our podcast guest - many of whom lives symbolizes strength like the Lotus Flower, rising up through muddy waters to become a beautiful, unscathed flower.
Our guest today knows something about how the Lord can turn scars to stars! My friend and sister in the Lord, Adriane Young, founder, and creator of Pretty Being, which she established in 2012, is near and dear to her heart. It’s an apparel company and lifestyle with a positive purpose that strives to redefine and expand upon the meaning of pretty. It’s a company whose main objective is for little girls, young ladies, and even adult women to embrace them
God given prettiness and recognized prettiness comes in many forms and it has more than one meaning. Adriane is dedicated and passionate in bringing corrective awareness to the word pretty, because as a child the word pretty was sadly not associated with her outer and inner features, she was born with. As a child she was overweight and had a learning curve that hindered her from excelling at lightning speed. As a result, not meeting “society standards” of what “pretty is and is not,” led to Adriane developing low self-esteem and being a target of being bullied by her peers. Thankfully, her mother would repeatedly use the words brave, bold, and strong to help build up Adriane’s confidence and years later give her the courage to form a business doing the same for others. Through apparel, creating Pretty Being, especially now being a mom of 2 little girls, has Adriane on a mission to encourage, motivate, and inspire females of all ages to embrace their unique prettiness and share best practices on how to love and respect themselves. She creates shirts with catchy phrases after the words Pretty Being, like Pretty Being BRAVE BOLD STRONG. Adriane is a firm believer that words have power! She personally has seen what words can do. When words are used positively, they can help and heal. At the same time, Adriane believes, when words are used negatively, they can hurt and harm. This belief not only has her wanting little girls, young ladies, and adult women to wear clothing with uplifting phrases, but also has led to Adriane creating a Pretty Being journal, which can be used to write down daily affirmations to help build a healthy and positive mindset.
In 2021 Adriane expanded her company. On February 15, 2021, which happened to also be her mother’s birthday, Pretty Being launched its very first Pretty Being Self Care Box! Pretty Beings all around the world are now able to order a box of their own! Each box contains a Pretty Being journal, pen, mug, mirror, candle, and Pretty Being Phenomenal cotton t-shirt that reads BRAVE BOLD STRONG!
To learn more about Pretty Being, please visit www.PrettyBeing.com.
Also, to learn how you can purchase a Pretty Being Self-Care Box of your own, please email Adriane directly at AdrianeYoung@PrettyBeing.com.
Talking about race is hard. But in recent months concerns about racism and its impact have intensified, continuing to bubble to the surface of our national conversation. So how do we have those discussions in a constructive way?
Attention to inequities around racial justice was sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in May and has been fueled by additional killings and shootings of black Americans by police.
Systemic racism goes beyond overt acts of racism. Instead, it is insidiously baked into the DNA of the systems and institutions that govern society, including education, criminal justice, and healthcare.
You are invited to listen as I have a heartfelt conversation with my longtime friend and sister in the Lord, Megan Floyd, about Systemic Racism and racial justice in wake of the Pandemic. This discussion will provide an opportunity for timely learning.
Megan Floyd is the Children, Youth, and Family Minister at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Portage, MI. She earned her B.A. from Purdue University with a double major in psychology and sociology and a minor in law. Working in ministry was not Megan’s original plan, but the Holy Spirit had other ideas. She began working at Prince of Peace in 2010 and decided to commit fully by earning an M.A. from Luther Seminary in children, youth, and family ministry. In addition to her work at Prince of Peace, Megan has served regionally and nationally for youth ministry in the ELCA. The Holy Spirit continues to call, and Megan has now returned to Luther Seminary to complete an M.Div. and is in candidacy for ordination in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Megan lives in Portage with her husband, Bill, and their two kids, Sabrina and Kara, along with two dogs and two cats.
According to Megan, Covid-19 was and still is a terrible thing, yet it gave us the opportunity to change our pace, and maybe pay closer attention to what was happening in the world. She had been studying systemic racism for several years and desired to talk about it with her faith community. Megan emphasized that she is not an expert, nor is she professionally trained in teaching about anti-racism. However, she is someone who has chosen to walk this path of personally learning and unlearning, and the disruption that Covid-19 caused created the opportunity to share her learning with others.
Pandemics are often thought to be unforeseeable acts of God that emerge suddenly to wreak havoc on unsuspecting populations. The unforeseeable acts of God that emerge help explain another pandemic — one that, like the coronavirus that still rages, and disproportionately impacts nearly every facet of life for black Americans. Make no mistake: Systemic Racism is a public health crisis.
Systemic racism goes beyond overt acts of racism. Instead, it is insidiously baked into the DNA of the systems and institutions that govern society, including education, criminal justice, and healthcare.
Being racist or antiracist is not about who you are; it is about what you do. Being antiracist is fighting against racism. To create an equal society, we must commit to making unbiased choices and being antiracist in all aspects of our lives.
Our featured guest today is Onyx King
King has an amazing Tragedy into Triumph story of how God healed her, delivered her, provided for her, and restored her. This is an amazing story of how God brought triumph to a beautiful, resilient woman.
Onyx King is the pen name for Antoinette Brice. Ms. King is the wife of Keith Brice, mother of adult children and two bonus adult children. She is also the proud grandmother of nine. Ms. King is a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan. However, she currently resides in Fort Worth, Texas. King is a faithful member of the Como First Missionary Baptist Church where she sings with the Praise Team. She attended Michigan State University where her long-standing love for reading, and writing was enhanced. Moreover, as a member of the Toast Masters Speech Club, she has competed in Area, Division, District, and region-level competitions.
King is an emerging author of more than a dozen published novels. Her award-winning books “Pandemic” and “Even Me” are available on Amazon.com. She recently won the 2021 Kingdom Image Author of the Year Award. The Kingdom Image Awards provides a positive and national platform for artists and allows the opportunity for network, collaboration, and support. This annual event brings artists together through a variety of creative and elegant events. Additionally, King was nominated for the 2021 Christian Literary Award in the Henri Award category. Per King, “the 10th Annual Christian Literary Awards were absolutely amazing. It was wonderful meeting Grammy & Tony Award Winner and legendary vocal artist, Jennifer Holiday!” Furthermore, she is currently a featured author in the Lotus Flower Book Club which is hosted globally on Facebook by Dr. Pamela Robinson.
As a young woman who grew up in the foster care system, she is a survivor of emotional, physical, spiritual, and sexual abuse, King shared that she escaped emotional pain and traumatic environments through reading, prayer, and help from culturally relevant mental health professionals. After spending an extended period of her life in Federal Prison, she was released and began to rebuild her life. King credits Revelation 12: 11, “We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony” as one of the foundational scriptures that motivated her to succeed against insurmountable odds.
It is our hope that you will be encouraged and find hope in Christ through King’s story. Lives will be transformed by this powerful story of what God can do when we believe in Him! We believe that as people hear this story they too will believe in Jesus and overcome as well!
Connect with Onyx King | IG: https://www.instagram.com/onyx.k/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onyx.king.566https
Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B08B73KL5
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4dHGXq6qlQ
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Gmail: onyxking4@gmail.com
Our featured guest today is Ashley Dildy.
Ashley is a wife, mother of two sets of twins and woman of God. She enjoys traveling, shopping, art and listening to music. Ashley has a bachelor’s degree in social work, Masters in Christian Counseling and Masters in Divinity. She currently works for the North Carolina department of Public Safety and is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority incorporated.
Today we will have an in-depth discussion with Ashley about Balancing Marriage, Motherhood, and Ministry. Balancing marriage, motherhood, and ministry is no small task. All three of these roles are incredibly important, and the challenge to keep them in balance can sometimes feel impossible.
Balance it is one of those words that often evokes strong reactions from people. There is a wide array of perspectives on balance, ranging from “there’s no such thing as balance” to “balance is entirely possible if you do x, y, and z.”
What balance is not: balance is not “having it all together.”
Balance does not mean that all areas of your life are exactly aligned to your satisfaction 100% of the time. Balance does not mean that you never feel stressed or have days that are chaotic.
Balance means an overall sense of wellness in your life in all areas. It means that you are spending your time, and your life, in the areas that matter most to you. It means that you are, most of the time, operating out of a place of contentment instead of chaos.
First, I believe it starts with knowing what your core values are. In order to keep things in balance, you need to know what your end goal is. If you are not clear on what things are most important to you, and how you want your life to look, then you will probably always feel out of balance.
Balancing marriage, motherhood, and ministry involves taking care of yourself as a mother.
If you are a wife and mom in ministry (paid or volunteer), and you sometimes feel pulled in many directions, then this podcast is for you.
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Welcome to the Lotus Flower Podcast I am your host Dr. Pamela Robinson.
The Lotus Flower Podcast aim is to educate, equip, and empower our listening audience while sharing culturally relevant spiritually uplifting, educational topics.
After recently looking into our analytics, we have 368 subscribers. If everyone that listens to the podcast subscribes by the end of the year, we will be at 700 subscribers.
Make sure you hit the subscribed button.
Whether with deliberate detail or inadvertent spontaneity, we each chart out a tidy yellow brick road of goals for our lives. I certainly have. Without even realizing it, I have taken my life by the helm and asked God to conform to my flimsy timetable and arrangements. There were times in my life that God exposed my tendency to cling to my own plans instead of embracing His purposes for me. In today’s episode we dive into a discussion pertaining to the ramifications of what happens when our lives are on a downward spiral due to refusing to heed God’s instructions.
Do you recall the last time one decision led you on a downward spiral of rebellion or bad decisions? Those first decisions. Those first choices. They are critical.
If you made a bad choice and found yourself on a descent that has led you places, you’d never thought you’d go, today is a good day to begin an upward climb. While God is a God of justice, he is also compassionate. So, look up. When you do, you’ll see the eyes of a merciful Father looking back with open arms to gather you back to Himself.
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Today our special guest is my first cousin Pastor Adeleane Dixon. Pastor Dixon is the ninth child of the late Reverend and Mrs. John T. Haymon of Penney Farms, Florida. She is the wife of Pastor Martin Dixon Sr., the mother of four children Victoria, Christina, Martin Junior, and Marlin. She is also the blessed grandmother of11(soon to be 12) BEAUTIFUL grandchildren whom she loves adores.
Adeleane is a licensed and ordained minister with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Saint Leo University) and a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies (Truth Bible College and Seminary).
She is also the founder of the God's Princesses Girls Club mentoring program for girls 5-18, kindergarten teacher, psalmist, poet and the writer and director of several hit gospel stage plays, “The Time Is Now!” “Lord When will I Get my Rose?” and “The Blood Crying from the Ground” a black history play of sacrifice from slavery to freedom.
Pastor Adeleane is an enthusiastic educator in both the secular and faith-based arenas. As a former kindergarten teacher in an urban school setting for kids with learning disabilities, she has always been dedicated and involved in her field. Per Pastor Adeleane, “the kids whom we understand the least are the kids who need us the most.” Therefore, she and made a commitment to God to be an academic and spiritual advocate for her students with disabilities. Pastor Adeleane believes that before we can fully understand the feelings of another person, perhaps we must first see the world as he or she does. She passionately believes that every child deserves the chance to reach their God-given potential.
She currently resides in Hollywood, Florida and is the Associate Pastor of Faith Deliverance Cathedral in Miami, Florida where she works faithfully and diligently beside her husband to bring his vision to past of reaching one, individual at a time, to one family at a time for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, fishing, writing, and volunteering.
You are cordially invited to join us for a breathtaking discussion on the topic of “Women in Ministry: The Balancing Act.” African American women continue to confess their call to ministry even when they know such a confession may cause them to face criticism and even ostracism from many of the same men and women who nurtured them in the faith. In this awe-Inspiring discussion, Pastor Adeleane and African American female clergy shares her powerful, inspirational, and sometimes heartbreaking story of her call and ministerial journey, which she experienced in the midst of anguish, uncertainty, and in many cases unfriendly leadership environments.
Consequently, the aim of this discussion is to show how successful African American women leaders combine work, church, and family life. In this discussion my cousin Pastor Adeleane and I explore the experiences that mold the life course of women and how they affect work-family life balance. The goal is to extract these strategies and provide them to other women interested in pursuing leadership roles in the church and in their careers all while balancing family life.
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Welcome to the Lotus Flower Podcast, I am your co-host Dr. Pamela Robinson.
Today our special guest is one of my lifelong friends and sister in the Lord Lesa Henry. Lesa currently serves her community as a mental health care manager and worship leader. She is a wife, mother of two sons, and two granddaughters.
In this episode, we will discuss the growing concern with youth of today not being familiar with the presence or teachings of the bible. Per Lesa, many of them are not coming to church with their parents but left home to play with friends, watch tv or play video games and if they are in church, they are on their electronic devices playing games. Furthermore, many are not being taught to reverence God or the importance of the presence of God through prayer, biblical application, or worship.
Children are growing up in a world where reverence for God and civility toward one another are rapidly diminishing. Incivility and irreverence can become normal and accepted by our children unless we teach them otherwise.
Moreover, youth attendance in the church has declined in the recent past. The reason for their decline is that many may no longer find church to be socially and spiritually relevant to their lives. This informative podcast suggests that a solution to the problem may be found in increasing the depth of youth programs so that they can remain socially relevant to the lives of the young people.
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Today we will have an in-depth discussion with my cousin Kimberly Brooks centered around God's perfect timing. Kimberly was born in Jacksonville, Florida. She currently resides in Penny Farms, Florida. Kimberly is the youngest of her three siblings. She enjoys spending time with her family, taking pictures of beautiful sunsets, and making delicious salads. Kimberly prides herself on being open minded and adventurous. Likewise, having achieved the following credentials, Director of Day Care Operations and Master Teacher in Child Care, Kimberly is extremely motivated and driven. She doesn't fear unknowable possibilities; even if there is a period fussed between reality and faith. Why? Because she realizes that situations sometimes may appear to be permanent stopping points (periods) in her life, yet in sharp contrast, they are oftentimes merely commas (pauses) when looked at under the lense of the Holy Spirit.
Conversely, Kimberly aims to use every talent and ability that God has given to her for His glory.
Accordingly, Kimberly's life journey has taught her to trust God's timing. Incidentally, there are tumultous times in our lives that teach us to trust God's timing. Yes, His timing often feels like a long, desperate delay; however, our faith grows expeditiously as we are forced to wait and trust Him.
"My times are in Your hands " Psalm 31:15
Welcome to the Lotus Flower Podcast, I am your host Reverend Curtis L. Robinson, Sr. Today we will have an in-depth discussion over a very familiar passage of scripture, Romans 3:23. All people have faults or make mistakes. Used as a means of consolation or of mitigating judgment or criticism against someone or something.
For all have sinned
This is the general character of all mankind; all have sinned in Adam, are guilty by his sin, polluted with it, and condemned for it; all are sinners in themselves, and by their own actual transgressions; this is the case of the whole world, and of all the men in it; not only of the Gentiles, but of the Jews, and the more righteous among them: hence there is no difference in the state and condition of men by nature; nor is there any reason from and in themselves, why God saves one and not another; nor any room to despair of the grace and righteousness of Christ, on account of persons being, in their own view, the worst of sinners: and hence it is, that they are all come short of the glory of God; either of glorifying of God; man was made for this purpose, and was capable of it, though now through sin incapable; and it is only by the grace of God that he is enabled to do it: or of glorying: before him; sin has made him infamous, and is his shame; by it he has forfeited all external favors, and has nothing of his own to glory in; his moral righteousness is no foundation for boasting, especially before God: or of having glory from God; the most pure and perfect creature does not of itself deserve any glory and praise from God; good men, in a way of grace, will have praise of God; but sinners can never expect any on their own account: or of the glorious grace of God, as sanctifying and pardoning grace, and particularly the grace of a justifying righteousness; man has no righteousness, nor can he work out one; nor will his own avail, he wants a better than that: or of eternal glory; which may be called the glory of God, because it is of his preparing, what he calls persons to by his grace, and which of his own free grace he bestows upon them, and will chiefly lie in the enjoyment of him; now this is represented sometimes as a prize, which is run for, and pressed after; but men, through sinning, come short of it, and must of themselves do so for ever: or rather of the image of God in man, who is called "the image and glory of God", ( 1 Corinthians 11:7 ) , which consisted externally in government over the creatures; internally, in righteousness and holiness, in wisdom and knowledge, in the bias of his mind to that which is good, and in power to perform it; of all which he is come short, or deprived by sinning.
Today our special guest is my cousin Elder Reginald De’shon Haymon. Elder Haymon was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He is married to his lovely wife Elder Latilah Marie Haymon. They have two wonderful children who are their pride and joy!
Widely respected as a dynamic worship leader, Elder Haymon blends his gifts of evangelism and passion to create an atmosphere of powerful-overflowing worship. Through transparency and child-like faith, he invites worshippers into a place of intimacy with the Father, confident that where the Father's love is revealed, freedom will come, destiny will be realized, and the kingdom of heaven will advance in the earth! Per Elder Haymon, at the tender age of thirteen he would go house to house spreading the fire of God, praying that those he’d encounter would experience the life-changing power of Jesus.
Notably, Elder Haymon and his family are faithful members of Resurrection Church On The Rock in downtown Cleveland, Ohio where he was licensed and ordained as an Elder in 2014. Subsequently, in May of this year, God deemed it appropriate to elevate him to the office of Pastor. He currently operates as the Pastor of Missions, leading prayer walks, street evangelism, and the prison ministry. As a multifaceted musician, prolific rapper, anointed singer, and dynamic actor; he uses everything that he does as an opportunity to show forth God’s glory (Romans 8:18).
Moreover, several months ago, he and a team from his church participated in a short-term mission’s trip to Costa Rica, a tiny but fascinating country from Central America that has strong political, financial, and economical relations with the United States of America. Costa Rica is a beautiful country but with so much need! While there Elder Haymon and the team focused on serving in children, youth, and adult ministries, feeding insecurities, construction, and evangelism.
Per Elder Haymon, “We witnessed many signs, wonders, miracles, and salvations as a direct result of powerful evangelism.” “We were blessed to minister to people who not everybody can reach." “I was beyond grateful to be there.” Through prophetic worship they declared an open heaven everywhere their feet treaded and changed the atmosphere over the destitute region.
Scripture tells us that Christ came “not for the healthy” but for “the sick” (Luke 5:31). He promised rest to “all you who are weary and burdened” (Matt. 11:28). He declared that the “poor in spirit” are blessed (Matt. 5:3), because in His kingdom “many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Mark 10:31). This value reversal anchors the Christian idea of redemption. In Christ, all of our comparative weaknesses become occasions for His glory to shine all the brighter, and we are invited to reinterpret them in light of His death and resurrection. This means as Christians, as Elder Haymon walks out with all due diligence, we are called to follow God’s example in lifting up the low and despised. As Paul reminds us, “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor. 1:27).
We were deeply moved by Elder Haymon’s decision to serve our Lord Jesus Christ through short-term missions! In a world that continually seeks to find fulfillment in a myriad of unhealthy ways, he choose to follow exactly what Jesus Christ told us to do in His last words on earth: Go into all the world and make disciples of every nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). We are very proud of Elder Haymon for his selflessness and passion to serve in the Kingdom of God. Elder Haymon desires to see every life, region and nation experience the transforming power of Christ, including his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio.
What do we do when God interrupts our lives? Many times, like Jonah, we run! Our special guest today redefines interruption and shows that interruption is oftentimes God’s invitation to do something beyond our wildest dreams.
Ms. Barnes can identify personally with what it means to have your life interrupted by God. In her intriguing book These Shoes: A Spiritual and Poetic Journey, she uses the words in her beautiful poems to deeply express how self-determination and resiliency helped her to defy the odds. She hopes that this thought-provoking book of poems will inspire you to achieve your wildest dreams, no matter what life interruptions you may be facing.
The joy that she now experiences reverberates through every pore of her skin and every bone in her body. Evelyn has given herself permission to feel all of it, deeply: the love, the grief, the joy, the pain. She embraces and is thankful for every morsel of it. Her life now is richer and more vibrant and fuller.
Ms. Barnes prides herself on being a social justice activist who spends most of her day volunteering at Women Shelters and doing Street Ministry. Ms. Barnes enjoys ministering God’s word wherever He leads her.
One of her favorite quotes is “To busy working on my own grass to notice if yours is greener.”
You may purchase your copy of Ms. Barnes book, These Shoes: A Spiritual and Poetic Journey by clicking on the following link:
https://www.amazon.com/These-Shoes-Spiritual-Poetic-Journey/dp/1662435185/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=These+Shoes%3A+A+Spiritual+and+Poetic+Journey&qid=1629722735&sr=8-1
Our featured guest today is my cousin Heather Bass. She is the founder and CEO of Beauty Pie Beats an online marketplace for black-owned beauty products. Beauty Pie Beats, sells high quality consumer products that offer mental and emotional health benefits and a spiritual healing moment for women. Mrs. Bass believes that though women naturally use lots of products, self-care and spirituality is paramount when inspiring women to look for products that make the journey easier.
Her love for beauty and cosmetics stem way back to childhood. As a child she would sit for hours watching her ambitious mother provide hairstyling services in their home. As a result of passionately observing her mom, a seed was planted within Heather’s Soul to want to help women feel good about themselves. Subsequently, Heather launched her business “Beauty Pie Beats” in January of 2019.
Notably, the religious faith of her maternal grandmother and mother was the most positive experience in her home environment. Having been raised in the church, she reports taking the gospel message seriously to heart. The gospel taught her that God distributes gifts to men and women. It taught her that everyone has a least one talent, it can be multiplied into other. These were words of purpose and identify to a young girl of humble origins. Throughout her childhood and into adulthood, she kept hitting glass ceilings, those limitations cause her to doubt herself. But the Holy Spirit, working in her, led her to maximize her callings first as an enlisted member of the Navy, then as a mother, a loving wife, an as an innovative entrepreneur. At Beauty Pie Beats Heather provides quality make-up products.
Conversely, makeup should be the mask that reveals you instead of the mask that conceals you. Your face, your mood and your individual style should be the foundation. Makeup can be transformative and bold. It can also be understated and subtle. Makeup should be used to make you feel good, not a way to make other people feel good.
Equally important, it has been proven that good spiritual values are important, as women with a greater sense of meaning in their lives are less likely to have low self-esteem. Furthermore, science suggests the higher one’s worship frequency, the lower the odds of depression, mania, and panic disorders, so, understandably, black women are drawing a new correlation between self-care and spirituality. Beauty Pie Beats is determined to leverage the intersection of where beauty meets spirituality.
Per Heather, “I thank God for giving me this vision and I thank him daily for keeping me. I know that if I keep Him first there is nothing that I can’t do.”
Help A Woman Thrive. Shop Beauty Pie Beats Online @ www.beauty piebeats.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/heather.niod
"Are You a Hidden Pearl?"
We are God's pearl of great price.
Our featured guest Ms. Kibby Blakely's life reflects many of the attributes found within the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price in Matthew 13:44 & Matthew 13:45-46.
Having grown up in up in a loving Godly home as one of six children in Jacksonville, Florida; she recalls being an introvert without a voice. Per Ms. Kibby, "My cousin Kathy had to do all of the talking for me."
Although she has fond memories of her hometown, Ms. Kibby shared that spending most of her childhood summers in our beloved family hometown of Penny Farms, Florida were by far the best memories ever. Penny Farms has special meaning for my cousin Kibby and most of our family. It where our family legacy started and currently remains. Our late uncle, Reverend John T. Haymon made history in our small town. He ran for political office and became the first African American to become a city official in the town. I will go out on a limb to say that our uncle set into motion the passion for service, entrepreneurship, outside-the-box thinking and zeal for leadership that runs vividly through the veins of most our family members. Ms. Kibby breaks out with an infectious smile as she speaks with joy about all the fun, she had with our first cousins The Haymon’s (AKA the fictive daughter of Reverend, Uncle John T., and Aunt Mamie Haymon).
Ms. Kibby is no stranger to academia; she is a graduate of Troy University where she received her BSN degree and the University of North Florida where she received her master's degree in health education with a specialty in the promotion of health. She currently works as a nurse in the homecare setting and has done so the last 31-years of her 35-year nursing career.
Seven years ago, Ms. Kibby stumbled into a hobby of Balloon Artistry and hence Balloons by Kibby was founded. Per Ms. Kibby, “I can't stop thanking God for such a consoling gift. I have been able to incorporate both balloons and nursing to make others feel better. Nursing is truly a calling, and the balloons are a gift.”
Per Ms. Kibby, “Sometimes the Lord desires for us to see beyond the surface even at the risk of being misunderstood. At the risk of people questioning what value I see in a brightly colored rubber sac inflated with air and then sealed at the neck. Why do I work tirelessly, as a nurse all day grinding away to treat my patients with dignity and respect; then spend most of my evenings and weekends passionately creating balloon sculptures.”
Ms. Kibby’s love for balloon artistry reminds me of the parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl in Matthew 13:44 & Matthew 13:45-46. In this passage of scripture, God reveals His great love towards us. The treasure in the field and pearl of great price represents you and me. So, God came down as a man, Jesus Christ and paid the ultimate price to get us back. Could it be that Ms. Kibby is re-purposing the balloons into something outside of their superficial makeup? Society expects us to look at things a certain way; yet what happens when you perceive things from a unique perspective.
We are reminded that even though we may feel like a lump of clay, we are diamonds hidden in the rough. Jesus’ sacrifice tells us how much He treasures us. He looks at our imperfections and failings and still sees something valuable.
Likewise, Ms. Kibby’s continuously finds hidden treasures as she creates magnificent balloon masterpieces; all while serving others, loving others, bringing hope to others, and drawing them to Jesus.
Ms. Kibby’s beautiful balloon work is a direct reflection of the deep gratitude for what God has done for her. Her livelihood comes from recognizing the real value of things that others underestimate.
Balloons by Kibby Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/balloonsbykibby
Even When it Doesn't Look Good - You Still Have to Depend on Jesus
“I’ve said these things to you so that you will have peace in me. In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33 CEB
This passage from the book of John makes clear for us that while we are living in this world, we will have distress.
Distress can be caused by unexpected crisis, adversity, or the daily pressures that we encounter in life. We can’t always control the distress that comes into our lives, but we can control how we choose to respond to it.
When you face distress, do you choose to be closer to God or choose to ignore him and handle your feelings yourself? Jesus tells the disciples in this Scripture that the only way to find peace is by choosing to be close to God.
Do you blame God or pursue God when the unexpected happens? Life is full of ups and downs, and yet we too often expect an easier life. God wants us to use this time to deepen our attachment to him, to examine our faith, to teach us to rely on him in ways we previously haven’t, and to deepen our convictions in the Bible.
We have a choice to get deeper with God when we go through trouble or to quit. How do you think God could be deepening your attachment to him through the troubles you are going through now?
Choosing God begins with turning to God’s Word to develop an understanding of how God wants us to handle and respond to what each day brings us, rather than relying on humanism and instinct.
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
Matthew 19:26 NLT
God moves powerfully in our lives when we choose to pursue him and embrace his perspective and outlook for our lives rather than embracing the world’s. This podcast today will help us to examine what to do when unexpected things grabs our attention. Always know that God moves for our good when we are going through unexpected distress.
When you face situations you don’t enjoy or problems you can’t readily solve, it is helpful to shift your perspective. Shifting your perspective can allow you to focus on the good, elevate your mood and bring you to new creative solutions. You shift perspective by thinking or doing something differently to change yourself, your situation or others.
How To Change Your Perspective & Be Positive
- Stop Thinking In Terms Of "Should of, Could of, Would of."
- Consider the Other's Perspective.
- Look For Something Positive.
- Think of the Bigger Picture.
- Show Gratitude.
- Smile.
- Get In A Workout.
- Help Others.
When you were very young, your parents had to tell you what to do, and they had to do nearly everything for you. As you grew older, your parents (and other people) expected you to start making some of your own decisions and taking care of yourself in certain ways. You learned to do what you should (will power) and stop yourself from doing what you shouldn't (won't power). You started using self discipline and self control. The more this happened the more you freed your parents, your teachers, and even yourself, because you didn't have to keep making case-by-case decisions about your behavior. You internalized some of these decisions, and they became automatic and habitual.
When you depend on other people to determine your behavior and always be in charge of your "will power" and "won't power," you're like a pawn on a chessboard, waiting for someone to move you. You feel powerless, because you are. Self-discipline and self control give you power over your life. It's only when you've developed these important traits that you can grown into the wonderful person you're meant to be.
Today we will talk with Leigha about some ways to develop and strengthen good character traits.
Ten Character Traits Worth Developing
- Be Honest. Tell the truth; be sincere; don't mislead or withhold key information in relationships of trust; don't steal.
- Demonstrate integrity
- Keep promises
- Be loyal
- Be responsible
- Pursue excellence
- Be kind and caring
- Treat all people with respect
On this podcast our featured guest is Wayne L. Bond II. We spoke to Mr. Bond to delve a little deeper into some of the service work he has been doing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Bond has always been a fan of literature and has finally found a way to put that passion to use. In early 2020 when the Pandemic hit, he did everything he could to try to help out. This ranging from considering joining the National Guard to volunteering at every food drive he could. However, there was never a fit to give back. Until in February when a childhood friend that is currently an educator in the Arkansas public school system reached out for me to read to her classroom. Apparently while reading, the class was the best behaved they had been all day; and upon completion the majority of the questions were asking me if I had a YouTube channel. When asking if they would actually watch it, I was met with a resounding YES. The rest has been history.
Wayne L. Bond II of "Wayne Reads," has been an employee at Western Michigan University since 2011. He brings experience working with people from all over the world. In his role, Wayne seeks to establish a culture in which the decisions and roles taken on by students at Western Michigan University can be refined to prepare them for their aspirations after graduating from WMU. He completed his undergraduate degree at Albion College, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and the Collegiate Basketball team. Wayne completed his master's degree in 2015 within the political science department with a focus on international administration development. He currently has returned to school as a cohort in the WMU sociology master’s program. When he is not working or studying, Wayne can be found relaxing with a book or catching up on his favorite shows. When the moment calls for it, Wayne can also be found also Hiking with his German Shepherd Hagrid or traveling. While graduating Highschool from Portage Central Highschool, Wayne grew up a military kid and was exposed to a wide range of languages and cultures growing up.
Here is the link to Mr. Bond's YouTube Channel: Wayne Reads.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY6TSHc88eyEyOH34-AGwnQ
How important is faith? Faith is a necessary ingredient of salvation. Without faith all is lost. Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Faith is trust. Faith is belief. Faith is confidence. Faith is Surrender. Faith is certainty and assurance. Faith dictates that we do not depend upon what our eyes see, but we rest upon the promises of God which we are certain of. We do not walk by sight but by faith. When what our eyes see does not line up or match up with the Word of God- the Word of God always wins! When what our natural eyes see appears to be in contradiction to what God spoke into our lives, we choose by faith what God spoke. We see this in the story of Joseph, David, and many others. It’s often the case that when prophetic word is spoken over someone’s life or they stand on a promise of God, it is then followed by a season in life that their direction seems to be going in the opposite direction of what was spoken. This is a time of testing. “A tested faith is a trusted faith.” So many of us are more concerned with the outcome and our position, but God is more concerned about the journey and the process. It’s through the journey and the process of pain, discomfort, and trial that faith is built and God develops in us what only the journey could. Valley moments in life are growing periods. There is growth that can only happen in the valley and through the process of pain. God doesn’t waste your pain or discomfort. We often base the concept of goodness on how we feel. If something makes us feel good, we often define it as good. However, good has nothing to do with how it makes us feel. God determines something to be good based on how it fulfills His purpose. What is good is not what makes us feel good, but rather how it fulfills the purposes of God in and through our lives. What’s good is what brings about His Will. Sometimes what does not feel good brings about the greatest growth in our lives. It’s often through the deepest of valleys of our lives that bring about the character, integrity, faith, and maturity in us the way only the journey of pain can. What is faith? It is certainty. It is trust. It is everything. valley of pain. I choose faith because I know God will do what He said He would do. If you choose FAITH today, it will make all the difference!
In chapter 5 of Shifting, Charisse Jones and Kumea Shorter-Gooden provide explanations and various example of “Sisterellas.” A Sisterella, like the classic Cinderella, is a black woman so consumed with the care of others (e.g. family, friends, businesses, etc.) that they neglect caring for themselves.
The Sisterella Complex is an example of shifting gone awry. Sisterella -- a form of depression -- can emerge when the African American woman subsumes her own needs to those of others and/or when she internalizes negative stereotypes and myths about Black women. The Sisterella Complex often, though not always, appears in the form of classic depressive symptoms, including chronic sadness, hopelessness, difficulty sleeping, loss of interest in people and activities, and low energy. The number and severity of these symptoms may or may not warrant a DSM diagnosis of dysthymia or major depressive disorder. But sometimes these traditional symptoms are not evident, but are masked by culture-specific manifestations, as in the Stoic Overachiever persona, the Angry Black Woman persona, somatization, and emotional overeating. What is unique about the Sisterella Complex is the role of internalized racism and/or sexism on the African American woman's psyche and functioning.
https://prezi.com/p/w347xnzcmsxk/the-sisterella-complex-a-closer-look-at-depression-in-degree-seeking-african-american-women/
We all know that there’s a lot of negativity in this world. That leaves us with a choice. Do you want to fuel the fire of negativity or would you rather approach life from an optimistic perspective and be the light that you’re supposed to be? Let’s take a look at the importance of a positive attitude in life and how you can live optimistically.
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22
On our podcast today Leigha speaks candidly about ups and downs of social media and youth.
There is much to be admired about our special guest today. Her name is Leigha. She is our 15-year-old cousin from southern Florida. Born to a musical family, Leigha plays guitar, clarinet, ukulele and sings in the church choir. As an athlete from childhood, Leigha loves sports of all kinds specifically basketball and softball which she has thrived in as a promising player. Furthermore, she played volleyball throughout elementary and middle school and now plays at an elite level as member of a travel volleyball team. She is excited about transitioning from middle school to high school in the fall. Per Leigha, “I draw strength by having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Being that I'm only 15, my faith in Jesus Christ can get a little bit low at times but God always finds a way to bring me back home to Him.”
Per Rae Jacobson, in a recent article entitled Social Media and Self-Doubt, magazines and advertising have long been criticized for upholding dangerously unrealistic standards of success and beauty, but at least it’s acknowledged that they are idealized. The models wearing Size 0 clothing are just that: models. And even they are made-up, retouched, and photoshopped.
These days, however, the impossible standards are set much closer to home, not by celebrities and models but by classmates and friends. With social media, teens can curate their lives, and the resulting feeds read like highlight reels, showing only the best and most enviable moments while concealing efforts, struggles, and the merely ordinary aspects of day-to-day life. And there’s evidence that those images are causing distress for many kids.
Donna Wick, EdD, founder of Mind-to-Mind Parenting, says that for teenagers the combined weight of vulnerability, the need for validation, and a desire to compare themselves with peers forms what she describes as a “perfect storm of self-doubt.” She’s so thin. Her grades are perfect. What a happy couple. I’ll never be that cool, that skinny, that lucky, that successful.
The fallout from these unrealistic standards becomes more dangerous once kids reach college, where they face higher stakes, harder work, and a largely parent-free environment. The pressure to look perfect to impress new peers, not to speak of friends and family back home, can be even greater.
What can parents do to help kids build a safe and reasonable relationship with social media before they’re out on their own?
Dr. Wick says keeping teens from falling into the social media trap is more complicated than it sounds. “It’s not about taking the phone away or having a single conversation.” She says, “Parents need to be diligent about making sure kids are getting a dose of reality and need to model healthy behaviors.”
Take social media seriously.
Encourage them to think outside the (crop) box.
Model a healthy response to failure. “Kids have to get the message that it is okay to fail.
Praise (and show) effort.
Go on a “social holiday.” If you’re worried that your child is getting too wrapped up in social media, try taking a social media holiday.
Trust people, not pictures. Finally, don’t rely on social media to let you know how your child is really doing.
In the end, as a parent you want your child to be happy and successful. But making sure she knows you love her and you’re proud of her as she is—unfiltered, unedited, imperfect—will help her build confidence she needs to accept herself and stay safe and healthy when she’s out on her own.
Our special guest today is Kathy Haymon-Colson
Hometown: Middleburg, Florida
Mrs. Kathy is a devoted wife, a proud mother of six, and a grandmother of two. She is an avid fisherwoman that loves to go Shrimping on her beautiful boat in the Florida Intracoastal Waterway.
"Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches on the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops, at all." Emily Dickinson
This podcast aims to inspire women to continue to fight the good fight in the midst of adversity.
Likewise, it is our hope that you will take a gaint leap of faith as you endure life's journey. Endurance is the ability to withstand hardship or adversity. To endure means to remain firm under suffering or misfortune without yielding. When you have endurance, you stand strong, holding your balance physically, emotionally, and spiritually, without buckling under, losing hope, or surrendering. You're patient, holding your own and waiting until the turmoil subsides.
As you listen to this podcast, think of the many ways you have chosen to be resilient when facing adverse situations. Mrs. Kathy's life is likened to that of an avid fisherwoman. Her life often expresses many characteristics that separate her from the average fisherwoman, such as; patience, persistence, competitiveness, and an analytical mind. Likewise, she tends to be very observant of her surroundings, the weather, etc. She sees how things tie together and make connections that less astute fisherwomen usually miss. Each of these characteristic make for a well-rounded, highly motivated, God-fearing beautiful woman.
Characteristics of an Avid Fisherwoman:
Adaptable
Good fisherwoman tend to be adaptable. They are willing to and able to change locations, tactics, etc. as the situation calls for it and are well practiced in many tactics/techniques.
Good Steward
A "good" fisherwomen is a good steward of the water and the land, Good fisherwomen do not leave trash or fishing line behind and will carry out other "less good" people's refuse.
High Ethics
Good fisherwomen have high ethics and do not bounce a spot where other fisherwomen are headed, They do not cast over over people's line or crowd them,
Mrs. Kathy is sharing these words of encouragement with you based out of her simple love for fishing. A sport that has literally taught her how to courageously
endure the trials and tribulations of life. It is her hope that as you read this post and listen to the podcast, you will be motivated and know that:
"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we do not sometimes taste of adversity; prosperity would not be so welcome." Anne Bradstreet
Special Guest:
Barbara Andrews
MA Counseling Liberty University
BA Interdisciplinary Studies Trinity Baptist College
BA Elementary Education, St Leo University
First Lady (Pastor's Wife), New Hope Baptist Church, Penny Farms, Florida
Hometown - Penny Farms, Florida
People are going to annoy you, disappoint you, and fall short. They won’t mean to, but they will. In these moments, you could stay silent and let resentment build (a lovely way to slowly deteriorate a relationship and frustrate yourself) or you could try to speak up and make a request. The issue with speaking up is that while you may have the best intentions if you communicate in a defensive non-effective manner, you will escalate a misunderstanding, hurt the people that you care about, and slowly degrade the quality of your relationships.
One great tool for taking responsibility in relationships and asking for your needs to be met (a.k.a., a request for a change in behavior) is using an “I-statements” request.
“. . . pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness…”
1 Timothy 6:11
The pursuit of godliness should be the pursuit of every person who claims to love God and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. In order to have godliness as a goal, one must understand what godliness is. We can start by looking at what godliness is not. Godliness is not merely religion. Religion is the act of going through spiritual motions without any real transformation or change occurring on the inside. Religion can actually mask true godliness because religious traditions or practices have no real power in and of themselves to transform a person from the inside out. Religion without the transforming power of Jesus Christ doesn’t work. Godliness is found in a lifestyle that reflects an awareness of God. Godliness can take shape when a person chooses to live consistently in light of God’s character and exercise conduct that is also consistent with who God is. Godliness is possible when a person operates with a consciousness of God’s ever-present reality in their life and therefore makes the choice to have a lifestyle that agrees with God. Godly people evaluate things from heaven’s perspective – and do so as a normal way of operating. The contrast to godliness is worldliness where we leave God out in our decision-making or we “flip-flop” from living with God to living “without God”. 2 Timothy 2:16 says, “..worldliness leads to ungodliness.” While the world offers plenty of opinions on how life should be lived, the person serious about the pursuit of godliness must start with what God says about a matter. Once we have received Jesus Christ as Savior, we have everything we need to attain godliness deposited in the divine nature that we receive when we believe (2 Peter 1:3.) This new nature is already positioned for godliness. That’s what the new nature is birthed in us to do - develop and contain a heart that is in full pursuit of God. The important thing to remember is that godliness is not an option. It’s a necessity if we want to experience God more in this life and enjoy the full benefit of a life lived for God in the life to come. A life lived with godliness benefits both the here and now as well as the life to come.
What does it mean "to live is Christ"
Philippians 1:21 says, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Most people focus on the second part of the verse, “to die is gain,” and contemplate the joys of heaven. But we should not overlook what comes before. The importance of the phrase “to live is Christ” cannot be overstated. In all honesty, this phrase should be central to every Christian’s life.
In this statement, the apostle Paul is saying that everything he has tried to be, everything he is, and everything he looked forward to being pointed to Christ. From the time of Paul’s conversion until his martyrdom, every move he made was aimed at advancing the knowledge, gospel, and church of Christ. Paul’s singular aim was to bring glory to Jesus.
“To live is Christ” means that we proclaim the gospel of Christ. Paul preached in synagogues; he preached at riversides; he preached as a prisoner; he preached as an apostle; he preached as a tentmaker. His message was constant: “Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). He brought the message of Christ’s sacrifice to kings, soldiers, statesmen, priests, and philosophers, Jews and Gentiles, men and women. He would preach to literally anyone who would listen.
“To live is Christ” means that we imitate the example of Christ. Everything that Jesus did and said, that’s what Paul wanted to do and say. The church benefitted from his godly example: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). What would Jesus do? That’s what we want to do.
“To live is Christ” means that we pursue the knowledge of Christ. We want to know Christ better and better each day. Not just a set of facts about Christ, but Christ Himself. “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11).
“To live is Christ” means that we are willing to give up anything that prevents us from having Christ. Paul’s testimony in this regard: “Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him” (Philippians 3:7-9).
We cling to the promise of our Lord in Mark 10:29-30 that our sacrifices for Jesus’ sake will be repaid a hundredfold.“To live is Christ” means that Christ is our focus, our goal, and our chief desire. Christ is the center point of our mind, heart, body and soul.
Everything that we do, we do for Christ’s glory. As we run the “race marked out for us,” we lay aside the entangling sin and worldly distractions, “fixing our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2). He is our life.
It’s an interesting analogy that indicates how important placing all the right pieces together is if you want to see the bigger picture.
For some people, life can be quite simple, like a 100 piece jigsaw puzzle that is not that difficult to put together. For others, however, it might take more time, patience and effort, to complete it and find all of those missing pieces and then place them where they belong.
It can be tricky, and either way, the more you try to unpuzzle it, the easier it becomes to see which part belongs where. In case you give up halfway, over time it will get more and more difficult to complete it.
Some pieces will be lost, and your will and determination will decline, ultimately resulting in a complete failure.
As in a game, in real life, you’ll be more likely to force pieces in the wrong empty spaces. They might seem like the right choice to make at the moment, but they won’t be.
Often, you’ll feel as if there is not the right choice, and you will find yourself repeating the same move over and over again.
And is this just me, or do you always put the easiest pieces together first, leaving the more difficult phase of your puzzle for later?
If yes, was this ever helpful?
The more I try to compare life with a jigsaw puzzle, the more I understand the resemblance between the two.
That’s precisely why some people like to use this analogy in their attempt to understand life as such, and the difficulties that come with finding your own path.
Life is most certainly a puzzle, usually one that will give you a hard time until you figure it out.
If you are a simple person with a clear goal and idea of what you want to achieve in your life, as well as a set of rules that will help you get there, then your puzzle will be much easier to complete.
You’ll probably make some mistakes along the way, but the determination will keep you persistent and help you win that challenge.
For those who are struggling with certain things in life, things won’t be easy.
There will be pieces that do not fit where you initially put them, and at one moment it will become much more difficult to continue with your puzzle. You are not facing a dead end.
One where you’ll have to make a decision whether to give up or start all over again?
It’s at that moment when you need to rethink what you are doing, break apart the puzzle, and start all over again. Choosing the other alternative will get you nowhere.
And although it might sound difficult to start from point zero, the good thing now is that you have the experience, and know what to avoid, which pieces fit or don’t fit the puzzle, etc.
In other words, starting all over and “failing” made you better at this, and now you have the chance to make it right. If not, start again, and again, and again…
You understand where I am going with this, and by now you’ve grasped the idea of life represented as a unique puzzle that is waiting to be solved.
And if sometimes life doesn’t go smoothly, then the most logical answer would be that your puzzle is not arranged properly, and you might have to make some changes. It can either be several pieces or the entire puzzle.
However, don’t be afraid of the change that is about to come, because it’s the best way to experience life fully and evolve.
We have all been born “for such a time as this” and we need to open our eyes to the glorious mission that our Father has for us. To go where He wants us to go, say what He wants us to say, do what He wants us to do, and be what He wants us to be.
One caution as we seek to improve our spiritual vision—do not get discouraged. Our vision may be damaged. We may feel we are spiritually blind. We may have even closed our eyes to the vision that God has for us. But if we have been living in darkness, we just need to turn to the light. Just as Christ performed the miracle of helping those physically blind to see, He can help us heal our spiritual eyes so that seeing, we too may believe.
God can help us and lovingly guide us to change our vision and correct our eyes of misunderstanding, anger, hurt, despair, or pain. God can help us change how we see ourselves and how we see others. He can help us see His hand in our lives. And He can help us find our personal mission.
Good physical eyesight is a blessing. However, as amazing and beneficial as our eyes are, they have a significant limitation: they can only see physical realities, like chalkboards, leaves on trees, and a mother's face. Spiritual vision is far more valuable because it enables us to see external realities, things that are not visible to our physical eyes.
It's not what happens to you that determines how far you will go in life; it is how you handle what happens to you.
Zig Ziglar
God alone is the source of spiritual eyes and undivided hearts. Only He can make blind eyes see, deaf ears hear, dead taste buds hunger, and hardened hearts soft.
Coping strategies refer to the specific efforts, both behavioral and psychological, that people employ to master, tolerate, reduce, or minimize stressful events. Two general coping strategies have been distinguished: problem-solving strategies are efforts to do something active to alleviate stressful circumstances, whereas emotion-focused coping strategies involve efforts to regulate the emotional consequences of stressful or potentially stressful events. Research indicates that people use both types of strategies to combat most stressful events (Folkman & Lazarus, 1980). The predominance of one type of strategy over another is determined, in part, by personal style (e.g., some people cope more actively than others) and also by the type of stressful event; for example, people typically employ problem-focused coping to deal with potential controllable problems such as work-related problems and family-related problems, whereas stressors perceived as less controllable, such as certain kinds of physical health problems, prompt more emotion-focused coping.
Make Space for Negative Emotions
Talking about the things that bother us and allowing oneself to feel negative emotions is incredibly healing. If we don’t allow ourselves to process the intensity of what’s happening right now in this world, we’ll get stuck. We don’t want our emotions trapped in our bodies any more than they already are.
As you do so, be patient with yourself and the process. Remember healing and grieving is a journey. One of the frustrating parts about healing and grieving is the rush for it to end. Avoiding fully feeling your full range of emotions and impact from the experience can hinder the process.
Our ability to step out of ourselves and observe ourselves from the wall or ceiling is core to our ability to be human. That ability to see ourselves from another point of view gives us instant perspective and the ability to separate stimulus from response.
The question, then, is how often do we step out of the frame in the course of a day or week? How often do we trigger reflection and perspective? For most of us, sleep, meditation, a walk in the outdoors, writing in a journal, taking deep breaths, running, among others, are ways to do so.
Doing most or all of these well over the course of a day aren’t an optional add on at the end of a work day. They result in step changes in productivity as perspective inspires a focus on what actually matters.
And, perhaps more important for our life and relationships, they enable us to be more in touch with our humanity.
Paul writes that God works all things for the good of those “who are called according to purpose.” We must ask ourselves what our purpose is. ... When God works all things together, He works all things together for our “good;” that is, that we would become more like Jesus.
“And we know that God works together all things for good for those who love Him, for those who are called according to purpose.” – Romans 8:28
The way that many Christians today interpret this passage reveals a subtle misplacing of priorities: we love what God gives more than God himself. I must admit, I often fall into this trap myself. When something goes wrong in my life, I reassure myself that God is always working in the background to fulfill my longings – I just have to trust that somehow, those desires going unfulfilled now are the key to being happier in the future. However, this mindset is backwards. God is most certainly concerned with what will satisfy my desires. But the question is, what can fulfill the human soul? Is it earthly good, or being conformed to the image of Jesus – even through suffering?
This is so true. Loss does not have to bring us pain for so long. Every time we lose, we gain something. It may take some time, but if we're patient enough, we will reap some gain—usually something meaningful, bigger, and/or greater.
When we are sitting smack in the middle of pain, suffering, anxiousness, uncertainty or loss, it is nearly impossible to see any kind of good. 2020 especially feels like a year of great loss, in so many ways.
There have been jobs, lives and livelihoods lost. We have witnessed immense suffering and despicable indignity. It is more than acceptable to feel broken.
There is another side to this. For lack of a better analogy, what goes down, must ultimately come back up.
There is something to be said for wiping the slate clean. The offer of a fresh start is very liberating. Not being held down by former patterns or beliefs can be beautiful.
We get to find out what we’re made of. There is nothing better than being witness to our own strength, resilience and persistence.
Losing means gaining!
If you have low self-esteem or confidence, you may hide yourself away from social situations, stop trying new things, and avoid things you find challenging.
In the short term, avoiding challenging and difficult situations might make you feel safe.
In the longer term, this can backfire because it reinforces your underlying doubts and fears. It teaches you the unhelpful rule that the only way to cope is by avoiding things.
Living with low self-esteem can harm your mental health and lead to problems such as depression and anxiety.
You may also develop unhelpful habits, such as smoking and drinking too much, as a way of coping.
How to have healthy self-esteem
To boost your self-esteem, you need to identify the negative beliefs you have about yourself, then challenge them.
You may tell yourself you're "too stupid" to apply for a new job, for example, or that "nobody cares" about you.
Start to note these negative thoughts and write them on a piece of paper or in a diary. Ask yourself when you first started to think these thoughts.
Next, start to write some evidence that challenges these negative beliefs, such as, "I'm really good at cryptic crosswords" or "My sister calls for a chat every week".
Write down other positive things about yourself, such as "I'm thoughtful" or "I'm a great cook" or "I'm someone that others trust".
Also write some good things that other people say about you.
Aim to have at least 5 positive things on your list and add to it regularly. Then put your list somewhere you can see it. That way, you can keep reminding yourself that you're OK.
The Biblical story of David and Goliath is a well-known parable. The story goes that Goliath, a giant and the champion of the Philistines, challenged the Israelites to send out their champion and decide the outcome of their ongoing war in single combat. None of the Israelites dared to face the fearsome behemoth…except David.
Despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds – going against a well-armed and trained warrior who HAPPENED TO BE A GIANT – David was undaunted. He brought only a sling and a pouch full of stones, against Goliath’s sword and shield. Then, as Goliath charged in for the kill, David found a vulnerable spot in his opponent’s armor and slung one of his stones there. His precise throw hit Goliath in the head and knocked him out, allowing David to move in for the kill and win the war for the Israelites.
David and Goliath is often referenced as a moral lesson of how underdogs can overcome the odds and be successful.
Everyone gushes about how special motherhood is. The bond shared with a child is unlike any other, and they say this feeling is incomprehensible until it's experienced first hand.
On a day to day level, being a mother means being tired, sometimes grumpy and never left alone, and then, in one funny, loving or meaningful moment with your kids, realizing that it's all completely worth it.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may feel grief due to loss of a job; inability to connect in-person with friends, family or religious organizations; missing special events and milestones (such as graduations, weddings, vacations); and experiencing drastic changes to daily routines and ways of life that bring comfort. You may also feel a sense of guilt for grieving over losses that seem less important than loss of life. Grief is a universal emotion; there is no right or wrong way to experience it, and all losses are significant.
It takes a village to raise a child.” This African proverb seems to be even more relevant in 2021, with working parents and single parents (and the accompanying family “busyness” that has become the norm) trying to raise a family.
And yet, even though it seems that the support of a “village” is so desperately needed, it often seems like this concept has somewhat disappeared from our society.
Raising children is a difficult task for which no one is ever completely prepared.
Back in the day you relied on the village for everything: one family was the butcher, one was the doctor, one the baker, etc. You cared and respected everyone because with a reliance on everyone in the village, you couldn’t risk harming or disrespecting anyone. Your village was just as important as those living in your house.
Find your village, let them help you and most important: let them help in raising your children.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” – Isaiah 6:8
They stand as four simple syllables, Here I am, Lord. They sound easy enough to offer to God, but what about the story behind those words? Are they really applicable for believers today?
A churning deep within me longs to hear God clearly and walk in obedience to Him. I desire to follow in the faith of Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet who offered those words centuries ago, as God’s obedient, trusting mouthpiece voicing loud and clear the will of her Father. Maybe you do too?
I’ll admit, however, there are times when I read Isaiah’s story and fear echoes in my ears, drowning out courage. And when God calls me to do something hard, something far outside my comfort zone, I’m tempted to stutter step.
Perhaps Here I am, Lord isn’t as easy as it seems. But then again, maybe God’s ways are higher than our own, and He can be trusted.
Shall we dig further into the meaning of Isaiah 6:8 and its call for believers today?
There’s no denying that we’re engaged in spiritual battles every day and, as Christians, we often feel the effects of the enemy’s attacks. Each time we take a step forward, we’re met with resistance in the form of doubt, fear, persecution, or any number of other strategies Satan uses against us. However, God will never leave us and we’re not fighting the battles alone. He has armed us with a number of spiritual weapons, and prayer is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal.
Our prayers connect us with God, strengthen us for the fight, and keep us grounded. They open a dialogue with Him and reveal things to us we can only learn from Him. “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not” (Jeremiah 33:3). When we’re wrestling with something and feel like we’ve reached a dead end, prayer brings us into the presence of the one who makes a way when there is no way.
Because of what Jesus did, prayer has evolved from Old Testament to New Testament. We no longer have to beg and plead for God to do something for us, because He’s already done everything that needed to be done to defeat the enemy. This gives us power because we’re praying from victory, not for victory. “…Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:17-19). This puts all our issues in a whole new light and gives added significance to our prayer lives.
Even as victorious believers, there are times when our spirits are heavy and we feel the need to pray but don’t have the right words. That doesn’t have to stop us, however. Words aren’t necessary in the spirit realm, because the Holy Spirit frees us from the restrictions of human intellect and understanding. “So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance” (Romans 8:26, AMPC). Praying in tongues allows us to pray the perfect prayer because we’re talking directly to God.
An attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving is another important component of prayer. Because the devil wants us to be miserable, angry, scared, and doubtful so he can mess with our minds, it’s no accident that thankfulness and prayer are both mentioned together in multiple places throughout the Bible. The fight is always centered in our minds; deliberately choosing to be grateful and thankful enables us to beat Satan at his own game. “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name” (Psalm 100:4). Praising God and counting our blessings empowers us.
We’re God’s children, and we don’t have to put up with spiritual attacks of any kind. We have the tools to take the fight to the enemy and get aggressive in our prayer lives. In spiritual warfare, prayer is the weapon that anchors us in the place of victory.
Being tested by God has been misunderstood by many. It is clear in the scriptures that God does test us. However, God does not send sickness, disease, or calamity into our lives to test us. Those things steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who came to give us abundant life.
He warned us in John 16:33 that we’d encounter trouble in the world, but then encouraged us by telling us he had overcome it.
Being tested by God is a matter of the heart and for a specific purpose. Understanding why God tests us will empower us not only to endure the tests but find joy in them.
Before we can learn to trust that God is in control of all of life’s circumstances, we have to answer four questions: Is God really in control? How much control does He have? If He is not in complete control, then who/what is? How can I learn to trust that He is in control and rest in that? Is God really in control?
The concept of the control of God over everything is called the “sovereignty” of God. Nothing gives us strength and confidence like an understanding of the sovereignty of God in our lives. God’s sovereignty is defined as His complete and total independent control over every creature, event, and circumstance at every moment in history. Subject to none, influenced by none, absolutely independent, God does what He pleases, only as He pleases, always as He pleases.
God is in complete control of every molecule in the universe at every moment, and everything that happens is either caused or allowed by Him for His own perfect purposes. “The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, ‘Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, And as I have purposed, so it shall stand’” (Isaiah 14:24). Nothing is random or comes by chance, especially not in the lives of believers. He “purposed” it.
That means to deliberately resolve to do something. God has resolved to do what He will do, and nothing and no one stands in His way. “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please” (Isaiah 46:10). This is our powerful, purposeful God who is in control of everything. That should bring us great comfort and help to alleviate our fears.
I have remarked earlier that these attributes are difficult to grasp because they describe truths about God that have no analog in human experience. We are limited as to place, power and personal knowledge. God is not. Thus we say that God is omniscient (all-knowing), omnipresent (present everywhere), and omnipotent (all-powerful).
Theologians sometimes speak of God’s attributes in two categories—communicable and incommunicable. That sounds strange until you remember that we commonly speak of communicable diseases—diseases that can be spread from one person to another, such as chicken pox. Incommunicable diseases are those that cannot be spread from one person to another, such as rheumatoid arthritis or most forms of cancer.
When this distinction is applied to God, communicable attributes refer to those aspects of God’s character that we may share in some way—such as mercy, grace, anger, justice, and holiness. Incommunicable attributes are those that are unique to God and unshared in any way by his creatures. The three “omni” attributes fall into this category.
Omnipotence
The word means “all-powerful” and refers to the fact that God’s power is infinite and unlimited. He can do with power anything that power can do. Said another way, God has the power to do all he wills to do. He has both the resources and the ability to work his will in every circumstance in the universe.
If you prefer a simpler definition, just think of these three words—”God is able.” That’s what omnipotence means. He is able to do everything he needs to do or wants to do.
In recent developmental studies, masking has evolved and is now defined as concealing one's emotion by portraying another emotion. It is mostly used to conceal a negative emotion (usually sadness, frustration, and anger) with a positive emotion.
At times, we wear real mask to hide our faces, mask, the kinds that other people can't see Imaginary masks hide our feelings from other people. You are wearing a mask when you are pretending to feel something that you really don't feel.
All of us have entered this world with some type of ailment. There are times in each o our lives when we may need a shoulder to lean on.
The Hebrew word khehsed translated "steadfast love" and "loving kindness" to represent God's love.
We have experienced many setbacks and failures throughout our lives. Sometimes we allow these mistakes, these setbacks and failures to enslave us to the point that we never enjoy the full Christian life that God has given us to enjoy.
We have a dead-end job and we feel stuck thinking, “I went into the wrong career and now there is nothing I can do about it.”
We get married, only to find the marriage is a failure. It may end in divorce, or it may survive as a tragic, unending chain of arguments and fights.
We say something to a friend, and then are ostracized from them for the rest of our lives.
And yet, Christ said in John’s gospel:
John 10:10 “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
The good news is that God says, “I want to do something new in your life. I want to give you a fresh start, a new beginning.”
This news is a major element of our Christian faith – to start fresh and have a new beginning with God.
At the beginning of a new year it is customary for us to think of this as a time of new beginnings, a time for new resolutions. But the truth is that with God anytime is a time for a new beginning.
New beginnings come to those who step out in faith. To change anything in your life by the power of God takes faith. (Matt 9:29)
Join Reverend Curtis and Dr. Pamela Robinson in thought-provoking conversations that will encourage you to discover purpose, embrace your identity, and engage faith tenaciously. You do not want to miss these empowerment sessions!