THE SISTAHS MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL
OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to
Impact Their Lives ™
It’s Your Time
to Shine
Ramelle T. Lee
How to Get Asked Live Life
Stylicia Bowden
Out on More Dates
Christine Pembleton
During Times
DV Feature: of Rejection
Living Free Evangelist Mary V. Pate
Linda Haywood
The Power and Purpose
O C
N THE: Elder Lily Jenkins,
OVER
of a
Founder of Everything That’s Lily, LLC
Lily
VENDOR SPACES & BUSINESS PROMOTION SPECIALS AVAILABLE!!
FREE SCHOLARSHIP & FINANCIAL WORKSHOP
and a Chance to Win a START-UP Bank Account for Ten (10) Teens
Special Guest Presenters:
DORETHIA CONNER of Conner Coaching, LLC
Strategies to Start Your Business on a Budget
and
Teen Presenter, ARYN SMITH
Using Social Networking to Start Your Business
2 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 3
Letter From the Editor
Get Ready to Breakout…!
Greetings SISTAHS! We are blessed to bring you another
issue of “SISTAH Talk E-Magazine”.
God has given you an anointing to know what is coming so that you can
strategically prepare and plan for what is ahead. As we prepare for a year
to BREAKOUT, we have been endowed with the Power and Purpose of
the Holy Spirit to move forward. I decree and declare you will be propel
you into your future and the destiny God has for you in 2012,
and a greater purpose.
God has created you to be on the cutting edge. When it is time for eaglets
to learn to fly, the mother eagle begins to remove the soft down feathers in
her nest. As she does this, the nest becomes more uncomfortable, and soon
the eaglets begin to feel the sting of the sharp briars beneath. In order to
seek more comfortable living quarters, they are forced to fly. In this same
fashion, God is removing your place of comfort
because it is time for you to fly.
God is releasing an anointing to leave your past behind: “But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (1
Corinthians 2: 9)
God is giving us a special anointing for breakthrough: It is time to fight for your deliverance and freedom. If
you have stopped trying to be free and have surrendered to the control of the enemy, learning to live in your
present crippling condition, it’s time to pick up the sword and fight once again. God will give you grace to get
off the sidelines, but you must take the first step toward the playing field.
God is opening up doors to fulfill your assignment: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11: 1); “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5: 7) Take
advantage of learning opportunities this year. Right now, at this moment, make this a season of preparation.
This preparation will come more easily than ever before. Pay special attention to opportunities that God puts
before you this year. Attend conferences, schools and gatherings that center on releasing saints into their
destiny.
God is releasing a new level of power and authority to you! This release of power will become clear as you
prepare for your assignment and find your place in the body of Christ. So besides training, be bold in stepping
into ministry positions and taking advantage of ministry opportunities.
Serving the Lord of the Breakthrough,
Rev. Celeste Kelley
4 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
~ Table of Contents ~
“Living the Victorious & Blessed Life” by Redelia McLaurine .......................................................................6
Living the Victorious & Blessed Life
“It’s Your Time to Shine” by Ramelle T. Lee .....................................................................................................8
A SISTAH’s Lifestyle – Life-Coaching Principles
“Live Life” by Stylicia Bowden ............................................................................................................................10
SISTAH Teen Mentoring Initiative
Highlights from Blog.PowertheYouth.Org ..................................................................................................12
On the Cover: Elder Lily Jenkins, Founder of Everything That’s Lily, LLC
“The Power and Purpose of a Lily” .............................................................................................................16
Word on the Street
“During Times of Rejection” by Evangelist Mary V. Pate .............................................................................20
“How to Get Asked Out on More Dates” by Ready to be a Wife, Christine Pembleton ..........................21
Virtuosity – Marriage & Divorce Feature
“Ask the Divorce Coach” ..............................................................................................................................22
Domestic Violence & Abuse
“Living Free” by Linda Haywood .......................................................................................................................24
Faith and Finances
“Financial Takeover” by Cedric Dukes ...........................................................................................................27
A SISTAH’s Closet .............................................................................................................................................28
Health & Beauty ................................................................................................................................................29
SISTAHS Services & Business Network
Feature: LaTonya Barber and the I’m Every Woman Expo .................................................................30
Soul SISTAHS Café of Reading & Poetry
“In A Whisper” by Wanda J. Burnside ...............................................................................................................34
“What is the Treasure of Your Heart?” by Deborah Bradley ......................................................................35
Christian Events & Evangelism (C.E.E.) Network
Feature: Stephanie J. Pride ..........................................................................................................................38
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 5
Living the Victorious & Blessed Life
By Redelia McLaurine
Living the victorious and blessed life (Spiritually) is Belonging to Christ means being fully committed to Him.
predicated upon a serious decision you must make. No compromising! Your Christ-like characteristics and
Let‘s get right to the point. To whom will you give your integrity will be exemplified. You are known by your
allegiance? There are only two choices: fruits. “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them”
(Matthew 7:20). You are Christ‘s representative.
(1) The ―world, adversary‖ (temporal/short- What am I doing? (Purpose with a Plan) “For I know
lived/Hell-bound). Foundation: sinking sand. the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the
(2) ―Christ, Lord of lords, King of kings‖ (everlasting Lord” (Jeremiah 29:11). Christ has placed you here for
life). Foundation: solid. a reason. Seeking His face, having a personal
relationship with Him and trusting Him will bring about
The key to living a victorious and blessed life Spiritually the manifestation of His purpose and plan for you.
is this: Choose Christ. Your life may be or has been torn Spending quiet time with Him each day will give you that
up from the floor up, but He will accept you as you are. victorious and blessed life (Spiritually). This requires
Ask Christ to renew your mind. “Be ye transformed by obedience; “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel
the renewing of our mind” (Romans 12:2), and bless you 15:22). Meditate on the Word of God day and night. Pray
with fortitude. He is waiting for you to submit yourself to for guidance. Place yourself in the Will of Christ. Take
Him and make Him your Lord and Savior. Obey His heed as He orders your steps. Remain focused, humble
Word. Trust Him; He knows what is best for you. Make and strong. Don‘t be afraid. Forgive and love. Here‘s a
Him first in your life. “Thou shall have no other gods tall order, but it‘s doable: ―Live peaceably with all men”
before me” (Exodus 20:3). (Romans 12:18). Your lifestyle must be of a Spiritual
nature.
Take a break from your over-loaded things-to-do lists
and extensively evaluate “you.” Consider these four Why am I doing it? (Christ‘s sake and His glory).
questions: Who, Whose, What and Why. They will help Christ is the only way for you to acquire that victorious
elevate you to live that victorious and blessed life and blessed life (Spiritually). Obtain wisdom to make
(Spiritually). Be still! Ask yourself: your calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). He is
faithful. It is through Him that you can make Heaven your
―Who am I? (Identity) It is pertinent that you know home. You can stand on His promises. The doors that
who you are and the nature of your character. If you do were closed to you, Christ will open and no man can
not know your personal identity, you are opening the close.
door for anyone, especially the adversary, to tell you
who they what you to be. Guard the gate of your mind. Embed within your Spirit that it‘s all about Christ not you
Don‘t allow anyone to steal your identity. The adversary or man. Living this type of life will give you the
specializes in identity theft. You will be like a puppet opportunity to witness His existence. When you live a life
waiting for someone to pull your strings, having no mind of victory and you are blessed, others will take note and
of your own. That kind of life is neither victorious nor you are then on your way to winning souls for Christ.
blessed. When asked who you are, boldly reply: ―I am a
child of God.‖ A victorious and blessed life requires You cannot claim to be living a victorious and blessed
―boldness.‖ life (Spiritually) and yet involve yourself in worldliness.
Once you have made a choice to serve Christ, you have
―Whose am I? (Ownership) Know to whom you nothing in common with the world. The world is full of
belong. If you are saved, you belong to Christ; bought evil and ugly things destined to destroy you. You are
with a price. If you are not saved, immediately give your now set apart as vessels to be used by Him. There are
life to Christ. The adversary is waiting to lay claim on many spiritual privileges in knowing Christ; just to name
you because you are not covered with the Blood of a few: He will bless you and give you the victory over all
Christ. You are a sitting target. that comes up against you. He will walk with you and talk
with you. He is a wonderful friend. You can talk to Him
6 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
about anything. You can take all your cares (worries) to Christ. Water your victorious and blessed garden of life
Him. He looks beyond your faults and is merciful to your with the Word of God daily. Ask Christ for strength and
needs. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give protection. This is not how the story ends.
thee the desires of thine heart (Psalm 37:4). When you
are down, He will lift you up. Ask Him for wisdom, You are special to Christ. He equips you with everything
knowledge, understanding and Holy Ghost power; He you need. “For I am fearfully and wonderfully made”
will grant them to you. It just keeps getting better. He (Psalm 139:14). Christ has birthed into your life
loves you unconditionally. something else that will enrich your walk with Him. Gifts.
Yes, Spiritual gifts to be used for His glory. “Wherefore I
Christ said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation. But be put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God,
of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) which is in thee by the putting on of my hands” (II
As you walk with Christ, there will be turbulence. You Timothy 1:6).
are going to be hated, rejected and attacked by the
enemy as Christ was. This is only designed to make you Do not waste your gifts. There is work to be done for
spiritually stronger. The storms of life are inevitable, but Christ. “The harvest is truly plenteous, but the laborers
you will be like that tree planted by the rivers of waters; are few” (Matthew 9:37). There are numerous unused
you will not be moved. You may get bruised, but God will God-given gifts within the body of Christ. When the call
rub some balm on the bruise and tell you to: ―Press on goes out asking for more people to work in ministry, give
my child. Your ‗brokeness‘ will make you fit for my use of yourself. Do not volunteer to do ministry work based
and give you the victorious and blessed life (Spiritually) upon titles and positions; it doesn‘t impress Christ. He
that you desire.‖ looks at the heart. Remember, this is not about you.
Whatever you are asked to do, give your best. We will
One of the many things lacking in trying to live a become stronger when we unite all of our various gifts
victorious and blessed life (Spiritually) is ―faith.‖ Without together in the Name of Jesus.
faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). Many
times Christ will ask you to blindly follow Him. Christ said A joyful Spirit is a sign of victory. Let your heart be
we must have faith to please Him. When uncertain about merry. A merry heart maketh a cheerful
any situation, quote this scripture: countenance”(Proverbs 15:13). All of your joy should
come from Christ. “For the joy of the Lord is your
For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Most likely, up to this point in
Spiritual victories and blessings cannot be obtained your life, you may have experienced much. You probably
without having faith in Christ. have gone through some very difficult times, but Christ
brought you through. The operative word is ―through.‖
For a continuous victorious and blessed life (Spiritually), You must share with others your testimony. How Christ
it has to be tended to (cultivated). For example, when has brought you out when He showed up and showed
you plant a garden in your yard, you must ―cultivate‖ it. out. I refer to the following as the three T’s:
Cultivate means: to prepare and work on land for growth,
i.e. taking out those things that hinders and destroys. For Let people know you went through a test. As a result you
your life to be fulfilled, successful, flourish and reach have a testimony. You can‘t help but tell.
your God-given potential, there must be ―cultivation.‖
Go on. Live that victorious and blessed life (Spiritually).
Once your Spiritual seeds or bulbs are planted in your That‘s why Christ made that ultimate sacrifice!
life, you can‘t just leave them unattended. For lasting
growth you have to ―pluck‖ from your life (start from the ©2011 Redelia McLaurine – All Rights Reserved.
root or it will grow back) things such as negative jealous
people, toxic relationships, gossips, liars, haters,
anything that is a stumbling block to your walk with
st
Redelia McLaurine is a public speaker. She was the 1 Place recipient of the 2009 Toastmaster‘s International Speech
contest for her district in Michigan. She loves to study the Word of God., write, decorate, graphic arts, to name a few.
E-Mail Redelia at OnMyWayUp0349@att.net
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 7
It's Your Time to Shine
By Ramelle T. Lee
Mediation Message: Psalm 102:13 (KJV)
Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the set time to favor her,
yea, the set time, is come.
What have you been contemplating about your future? of your foxhole and see a brighter day that has been
Have you been wandering around in a season of orchestrated just for you! It's your set time of favor!
frustration? Wandering around in the thickness of your
past weariness? Are you still uncertain where God is God has given you the opportunity to arise from a place
about to take you? Did you not realize that the of much needed rest and lifted those burdens off your
surrounding atmosphere that has been encircling your shoulders. He has given you a challenge that will cause
path and direction has changed its course? Did you not you to seek after His promises and move you to a new
realize that God has sent help to you, right in this dimension in Him.
moment? Can you feel yourself being lifted up higher
and higher above the clouds of uncertainty? Stop, right You will not stay in the place where anxiety rules the
in your tracks, and give the Lord praise for interceding in day. You will not hold your head down in shame and cry
your present situation. for God to have mercy on you. The weight has been
lifted! The battle has been won in the Spirit. The fight
No longer is your spirit bound to times when you didn't has been steady and filled with challenges, but God has
know where you needed your feet to tread. No longer redeemed the time! He has held back the enemy and
are you wandering around in the valley of grief and not destroyed the works and plans of the enemy that were
being strengthened in your walk to see you through life's sent to harm you and your future!
challenges.
Arise from the point of confusion and walk in the
God has come to your rescue. He has changed your blessing that God has prepared for you! See the
course. He has pulled you through supernatural gravity salvation of the Lord with you! It's time to celebrate and
and placed your feet on a higher plain. God has elevated give God the glory for rescuing you from the fiery darts
you and promoted you. He has given you much needed of the enemy. Watch and see your enemies fall one by
rest from your battle to stay afloat. You have graduated one! God will give you the ability to show you off to the
in the spirit realm this day and promotion is on the world that He has set you on a higher plain. It's your
horizon. time to shine!
God is giving you a new song to sing. A new challenge It's your time to stand tall! It's your time to walk in total
to pursue. A new lease on life. Shout and dance for joy. victory, says the Lord of Hosts.
The Holy Spirit has been sent to your home by way of
God's heavenly express. It's your time of favor © 2011 Ramelle T. Lee – All Rights Reserved.
announced by the angels of the Lord this day! Leap out
Ramelle T. Lee is the Founder and President of Touching Your Heart Ministries. Since 2004, more than 2,500 poems and
over 300 framed poetry creations have been made available to minister to people in all walks of life. She is also an active
member of The Called and Ready Writers. She is also a Board Member and Membership Chairman.
Visit Ramelle at www.TheCalledandReadyWriters.org
8 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 9
A SISTAH’S LIFESTYLE (Life-CoaChing Principles)
Live Life
by Stylicia A. Bowden
“From a deep sleep I awoke with the sun bursting
through my window and I smile understanding life is so
precious to behold. We only get one chance at life so
how about we live it to the fullest…”~Stylicia A.
Bowden~
Life is like a glass of water when you fill the glass you Here are the following life steps:
see nothing but an insoluble liquid, clear and tasteless
but when you add another substance to it then it 1. Assess: The first step in living life to the fullest is first
becomes alive to your taste buds. Life is so much like assessing what is the definition of your life. Take
this glass of water because if you are seeking that spice, inventory on what brings you peace, joy and undeniable
pizzazz, and adventure in your life but cannot get pass pleasure to do in your life.
your comfort zone then life for you might be tasteless. It 2. Make a list: Once you figure out what brings you joy
is important to understand the great power in living, in your life make a list of what you are good at naturally.
enjoying the world around and embracing new things. After the list is made then categorize the list from most
The power behind living is not just waking up and doing important gift you have that brings joy to least one. Then
your day to day routine however it is about making sure your journey begins!
every day is lived to the fullest. The Lord grants us a free 3. Pursue Your Passion: The third step is to pursue
ticket to wake up each day and be effective in our day. what you are more passionate about however do not
The effectiveness helps us to be enriched by the worry if the thing you are passionate about is not what
connections of other people which are fellowship, you really want to do go down the list then you will be
discovering the world around which leads to an able to tap into the one thing that you cannot live
appreciation for the beauty of God‘s creation. You may without.
ask yourself how I can live my life on edge or outside my 4. Acknowledgement: Pray and allow the Lord to guide
comfort zone when life demands do not go away. The you in fulfilling your life. It is important to understand
answer is simple you have to be willing to take small without having the Lord in your life you will always fill
steps of living outside your comfort zone even if it means empty. So make a greater step to acknowledge the Lord
taking a different route home. Life has many paths, Jesus Christ and become saved.
destinations, roads and bridges to help you find hidden 5. Be Adventurous: Make a decision to take a step
places that are new adventures. You have to be willing outside of your comfort zone and tour your city,
to go where no man has gone before and make your life neighborhood and the world. Make a list of all the places
extraordinary not ordinary. When you find out what you want to see and places you have not even be aware
motivates you to live then your whole perspective will of standing in your own backyard. Life is one step away!
change about life. We often take life for granted because 6. Be Fearless: Do not allow your fears to stop you from
we expect to be able to have another day to do what we enjoying the best life ahead for you.
did not get done. While we are still living we should 7. Live Life: Last but not least make a vow to not wait
always take advantage of bringing paradise right here, until something tragic happens in life before you realize
right now. If life is just another battle for you to conquer how precious it is but enjoy every moment now while you
then it is time to fine tune your vision and take another can still smell the roses.
look through the glass window of your life. In order to be After you have taken these steps there is only one thing
fulfilled in life you have to do what is fulfilling to sustain left to do, LIVE LIFE!
your life. This concept has to do with understanding your
purpose, living your passion and cultivating your God © 2011 Stylicia Bowden – All Rights Reserved.
given gift. If you are wondering how to do this here are a
few steps to give your life a new boost.
Visit Stylicia online at www.releasethepen.com
10 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
Magnificent Living with Kristie Kennedy
Anybody can roll over in self pity...pining and whining woe is me! If you plan to live
magnificently in the face of adversity you better GET UP, GET OVER IT and GET ON
WITH IT!
We all go through adversity at various stages of our life and what? The struggles of life
are what makes us stronger, more tenacious, more resilient, more courageous and then
some!
Yes, life will hit you hard, but you must determine to hit back harder! The new year is
fastly approaching...what bold moves can you make today that will place you closer
to your goals tomorrow?
Think about it and work it out!
WATCH LIVE CLIP of Magnificent Living:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sxZd24i89c
Subscribe to Magnificent Living Column @ www.tdwrmagazine.com
Cheers to your Magnificent Living!
Kristie Kennedy, National Empowerment Speaker
Women's Beauty, Business and Brilliance Coach
Ms. Tallahassee, Fl. for Ms. Corporate America 2012
www.kristiekennedy.com
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 11
SISTAH Teen Mentoring Initiative
Highlights from Blog.PowertheYouth.org
Galstanberry Girlz Series Exudes Esteem, Diversity, Dreams
Ms. Garen Wolff is an author, scientist, and educator who weaves her educational
experiences and hopes for all girls to live a fulfilled life into the pages of Galstanberry
Girlz #1 and #2.
Galstanberry #1 gave readers a peek into the lives of 5 very excited girls from different
cities across the United States! Galstanberry #2 takes readers on a journey alongside
each of the girls as they transition into the community and culture of the Galstanberry
Academy.
Ms. Wolff answered a few questions from our families.
Galstanberry Girlz #1 really kept our P.O.W.E.R. Org Boarding schools are often frowned upon and
readers on the edge of their seats from the first page considered elite in urban communities. However,
to the last page. I recall the conference attendees Galstanberry #1 has done extremely well among
taking their books out when transitioning to both the teen and tween readers. Was it your quest
sessions. It was amazing to see the strength to change the perception about how society views
exhibited in each of the characters. Will the girls education and the various options available?
continue developing their talents Your question is quite interesting. The majority of tween
and hobbies will preparing for the academic rigor at TV shows and literature focus on prep schools. From the
Galstanberry Academy? children on the Bernie Mac show, Fresh Prince of Bell
Yes! Galstanberry #2 focuses on the girls exploring Air to Gossip Girl, prep schools have always been ―in.‖
Galstanberry Girls Academy and all the opportunities it Unfortunately, showcasing diversity in the student body
offers, such as electives (aka student organizations) and isn‘t ―in.‖ The series, The Girlz of Galstanberry, is
special events. While Book #1 introduces you to the 5 refreshing because it focuses on girls from different
main characters‘ family and friends, Book #2 introduces ethnic groups, socio-economic backgrounds, cities and
readers to Galstanberry Girls Academy and the other personalities.
accepted students.
12 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
You have a very extensive background in education the characters is a math wiz. However, she doesn‘t
and the sciences. Congrats on your upcoming ascribe to the stereotype of a math wiz—dorky, anti-
transition to medical school. Will Galstanberry #2 social, frantic. Instead, she is the complete OPPOSITE
reveal details about the academics or mainly focus thus showing girls that you can be smart AND cool.
on the culture of Galstanberry and how the girls
adapt? Galstanberry #2 focuses on both culture and Please share 3 nuggets of inspiration you would like
academics. However, it leans towards culture because I P.O.W.E.R. Org readers to take away from their
wanted the readers to gather the ―feel‖ of Galstanberry Galstanberry Girlz reading experience that will help
Girls Academy—traditions, faculty and special activities. them shape the academic careers of youth in their
An interesting component of Galstanberry #2 is each families and communities.
girls reaction to the current culture of the school. Do they
ascribe to it, or challenge it? 1) Readers should embrace and celebrate their unique
voices. What do I mean by "voice?" Voices (aka
Embracing diversity can be very challenging. It will personalities, opinions) are shaped by cultural
be interesting to read about how the various background, socio-economic status, friends, family and
personalities and sharing of space work out. Any even geographic location! Therefore, readers shouldn't
teasers about the room assignments and how you feel confined to anyone's standard of beauty or "popular
decided on the assignments for the girls? Readers status." We are all different and should be celebrated for
will be pleasantly surprised on the roommate selection! our uniqueness!
For fear of giving TOO much way, I will only tell people
to expect the UNEXPECTED…seriously 2) Don‘t permit the noise of naysers to drown out YOUR
voice, YOUR dreams, and most importantly YOUR
P.O.W.E.R. Org boys want to know if there will be passion for life.
more mention of the male friendships back home in
book #2 and whether there will be a boys academy in 3) The world is your oyster and don‘t let anyone tell you
the series or mentioned in book #2? Hmm. How otherwise.
should I answer this question, without giving too much
away Indeed readers will get a taste of the male
friendships back home. Additionally, there is a slight
mention of a male academy. Now, my lips are sealed.
The Galstanberry Book #2 trailer is very mystical
and magical in nature. The pearls remind me of a
“rights of passage” or “coming of age” ceremonial
symbol. Can you share any background information
about the significance of the pearls?
My alma mater, Wellesley College, inspired some of the
traditions of Galstanberry Girls Academy, such as
HouseSisters, Afternoon Tea, and pearls. Consequently,
I created a ―Pearling Ceremony‖ as the ultimate initiation
into Galstanberry Girls Academy not only as a student,
but al so a member of the fine sisterhood. Pearls, in
particular, are a stap le of a Wellesley Women because
they signify class and maturity.
We enjoy books and videos that highlight math
(numbers, critical thinking, and visual aids). Will any
math clubs, competitions, or special affinities for
math be highlighted in book #2? Yes! Infact, one of
Presenting Opportunities Winning Effectual Results Organization (P.O.W.E.R. Org) is a 501c3 organization founded by
LaToniya A. Jones that helps families See, Say, and Do Math! The "Games Connect" posts feature creative ways to use
the extraordinary in our daily lives to help youth math meaningful math connections.
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 13
Games Connect: Rubik's Cube Helps
Children Twist into Math
The Rubiks cube is used in more than "just free time"!
Classes and groups across the country are using the cube to teach math
concepts and team building.
Whether the Rubik's Cubes are used as an enrichment for gifted
students, as a tactile (something to hold and manipulate) tool for special-
education children, or in a competition format for problem solving-- it's
beneficial on a number of levels.
The maker of the Rubik's Cube, Seven Towns, re-invented the brand
and use to help improve math achievement levels 3 years ago when it
released the You Can Do the Rubik's Cube lesson plans. Now, more
than 3,000 schools globally have signed up for these resources to
empower their students with more math principles.
Holly Riehl says "students can learn plenty from a 37-year-old piece of plastic that costs less than $10". So much math to
explore and learn with this cube. It causes one to use it's prior knowledge and experiences to build skills.
A few topics and benefits that can be learned from this 30 year old cube.
1. Geometry (faces, edges, surfaces)
2. Measurement (area, matrices, perimeter, surface area)
3. Patterns
4. Graphing
5. Algebraic principles (tables, charts of possible ways, and combinations)
6. Algorithms
7. Times (elapsed, predicted)
8. Basics like estimation, rounding decimals ... and more than keeping score
OMG! They have a pre-packaged kit that is very reasonable as well to ease the preparation process and...
a cool Did It T-shirt!!!
I am definitely putting these awesome plans to use the Rubik's Cube in our rotation of services offered! Our Michigan
youth are going to have a blast.
Do you know a school or group that's using the Rubik's Cube or another popular toy/game to improve math
achievement levels?
Source: Rubik's Cube Finds a Home in American Classrooms USNews.Com
Presenting Opportunities Winning Effectual Results Organization (P.O.W.E.R. Org) is a 501c3 organization founded by
LaToniya A. Jones that helps families See, Say, and Do Math! The "Games Connect" posts feature creative ways to use
the extraordinary in our daily lives to help youth math meaningful math connections.
14 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
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Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 15
The Power and Purpose
Please OVER
O C : Elder Lily Jenkins, of a
N THE tell us about Elder Lily Jenkins. Founder of Everything That’s Lily, LLC Lily
Elder Lily L. Jenkins is the Vice President and Co-
Founder of the Purpose Development Institute. Her role is to oversee all
Certified Coaches to ensure that they are promoting the basic tenants of
Purpose Development in their practices and that all satellite institutes are
using training materials that include the basic tenants of the
Purpose Development message.
Elder Lily is a woman with many qualifications: A Certified Human
Behavior Consultant, Christian Life Coach and the first female Certified
Purpose Development Coach. She has over 14 years of teaching
experience at all levels including the university level as a Professor.
Mrs. Jenkins is a mentor for women, young and old. She spends time
coaching her Ladies of Purpose group to help them develop a greater
sense of purpose for living. Her transparency is a catalyst for purpose
that encourages others to remove their insecurities, break limitations and
discover their God given purpose. Her life exemplifies how God can take
a mess and transform it into a message for the Kingdom of God.
Being the first female Certified Purpose Development Coach, Mrs.
Jenkins is on the leading-edge for taking women to a new dimension of
purpose. Her experiences and insight to purpose allows her to speak
directly to the voids that women face in the 21st Century. She is gifted in
using purpose in both domestic and entrepreneurial matters.
Mrs. Jenkins is also an accomplished author of five books; one of which
awarded her as winner of the Pine-Sol Powerful Difference Contest. She
was featured for her impact in the community with her anti-bullying
campaign in Ebony Magazine, Dec./Jan. 2010 issue.
Churches, writing circles, schools, and community organizations have
sought after Mrs. Jenkins to motivate, encourage, and inspire today's
youth & young adults. She is an advocate for using purpose
to combat bullying among youth.
Mrs. Jenkins has been featured as a writer on The Review Magazine, Internet Cafe Devotions, Written Magazine, Booking
Matters Magazine, Inspired Women Magazine and Live Magazine. Her story has been told in various interviews that
range from radio and TV in which she was a guest on Atlanta Live, a TV show in metro Atlanta.
She enjoys being a wife, mother and pioneer with her husband as they raise the bar of purpose for their marriage, family,
ministry and business. As an awesome woman of God, you can see she is very accomplished and we are honored to be
able to share her story with our readers. Elder Lily has these things to share with SISTAH Talk:
SISTAH Talk: Please share your journey of how your book, “The Life of a Lily,” and business, Everything That’s
Lily, LLC was birthed.
Elder Lily: This book started as a diary around 2001. I was awakened one late night to start writing down things that God
needed me to know. One of those things was to share my story. At first, I thought, ―No, I have too many skeletons in the
closet to share.‖ But I was quickly reminded of all those people that are hurting and don‘t have the answers to many of
16 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
life‘s problems. I was also reminded that someone needs a word. So I came
to know that my story is far more than just words to paper, but a mere
testimony of what God can do.
Everything That‘s Lily, LLC was established December 12, 2007, after the
publication of my book, The Life of a Lily. Generally an online book and
inspirational jewelry business, it recently added a home party flair to it after
the initial success of hand to hand transactions throughout the Atlanta area.
Everything That‘s Lily, LLC was formed to recognize all of the things that the
owner, Lily, finds as favorites. Not only does the business offer the owner‘s
new book, The Life of a Lily, but also inspirational jewelry: bracelets,
bookmarks, necklace and earring sets, watches, and key chains. We bring
literature and style with the word of God together to create a sense of fashion
for everyone who loves jewelry, but also doesn‘t mind being reminded of the
goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ! Let Lily‘s personal favorites now be
yours!
SISTAH Talk: Please share how being a product of the adoption
system impacted you to develop a life of power and purpose.
Elder Lily: SISTAHS, I‘m always reminded of the scripture, in Hebrews
12:1-2 which says, ―Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so
great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which
doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set
before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for
the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and
is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.‖ Yes we all go through
trials and tribulations. But the Lord wants us to quit worrying about them and
cast it over to Him. Let Him fight your battles. For He sees the ending from
the beginning! Because we are Kingdom Citizens, we can now be rest
assured that we will get through our circumstances with flying colors. He will
definitely give us beauty for ashes!
I feel that God places individuals into circumstances to make them stronger.
Yes, some circumstances are deeper and more complex than others, but all
in all, everyone has to go through. He never said it would be easy. But when
it‘s all said and done, God gets the glory, and he holds you in such high
regard as His child, as if to say, ―See devil, I told you he/she would make it
through!‖ Thank you Jesus!
Since my first book, The Life of a Lily was published, I now have 5 more books to my credit, a powerful women‘s ministry
called Ladies of Purpose and a Training and Consulting Company, co-founded with my husband, Pastor Donald Jenkins,
called The Purpose Development Institute (http://www.purposedevelopmentinstitute.org). I have such a closer walk with
God; personally my marriage, businesses, and endeavors have soared, and I‘m in such peace with God! God is so good!
SISTAH Talk: Tell us more about the Purpose Development Institute.
Elder Lily: I am glad you asked. Purpose Development is an institute of higher learning where individuals receive an
above average wisdom and understanding on the subject of purpose and its effect on the way humans exist and perform
as Ambassadors in the earth. The Purpose Development Institute (PDI) is committed to raising the bar of purpose by
building a character that's branded with Purpose Development wisdom to empower individuals to outsmart the culture
they live in. As a result, individuals are empowered beyond being a product of their culture, to creating one that's filled with
the influence of God's Kingdom.
The Purpose Development brand is a non-traditional, disruptive model for discovering purpose. It is established on the
fact that God put within humanity three basic functions called Purpose, Potential and Performance. The PDI specializes in
assisting individuals to manage their purpose, discover and release potential and increase their performance for living the
lifestyle that God designed for them. It functions as the certifying organization for all Purpose Development Coaches and
is responsible for ensuring that all training materials are constructed with the basic tenants of the Purpose Development
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 17
message. You can go to when we‘ve been hurt and find the only true source of
www.purposedevelopmentinstitute.org for more love one could have and that‘s Jesus Christ, the only
information on how you can become a part of an exciting who showed how much He loved us by the ultimate
organization and/or to take a look at all of the services sacrifice He gave on the cross.
we provide.
SISTAH Talk: What advice would you share of what
SISTAH Talk: Please share a word of empowerment steps single women should take to become healed
with those women and teenage girls who were before entering into marriage.
adopted, but struggle with the feeling that they were
unwanted and unloved by their natural parents. Elder Lilly: Most times, women have a way of being in
denial after being in a hurtful relationship. Some fall into
Elder Lily: I had to bring myself to what it says in the isolation and want nothing to do with a potential future
word of God that if I myself don‘t forgive others, then my relationship, let alone marriage. And then there are
own prayers will not be answered. It was hard to do now, others that feel they are okay, and will eventually get into
I will admit that. But being open with God about my a relationship again, usually rapidly, in what is known as
needing to be released from past neglect and hurt has being ‗on the rebound.‘ However, they are trying to fill a
really made all the difference. It has been much easier to void in their lives with this new mate without allowing the
forgive after seeing my family open up to me so much true source of fulfillment and wholeness to mend broken
since the publishing of this book. They have helped me hearts, JESUS. So the first thing I would tell any sister
to close my past by sharing with me things that I did not out there who has gone through emotional abuse and
know before, especially my mother. Things that I didn‘t disheartening circumstances is to come back to their first
understand then, I now have a new revelation on. I‘m love, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He can heal,
thankful to God because my humility and compassion deliver you, and put you back in a place of loving
towards my family have resulted in nothing but more yourself and who He made you. You will find yourself
blessings! alone but never lonely. You will do things for yourself
and by yourself and not feel any bad way about it
Just remember, in Philppians 3:13-14, it says, Brethren, I because you have come to learn to live with yourself,
count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing which I found even for myself an awesome place. This is
I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and the time to pamper you and do things that you‘ve always
reaching forth unto those things which are before, I wanted to do. Start projects that are in line with your
press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of purpose. Write your first book, pick up a trade or go back
God in Christ Jesus (italics & emphasis mine). Your past to get that degree you‘ve always wanted, start an
does not have to predict your future. If God said you are exercise regimen to get ready for the man that God has
forgiven, then you are forgiven. If God said you shall prepared for you. It kind of got hard when my Boaz did
have life more abundantly, then it shall be so. If God come around because I was so accustomed to having a
said, you have power to move mountains, then you can good time being free to be me as a single woman.
say to the mountain of doubt and hopelessness, be thou
removed, and it shall be done. Hallelujah! You are more Another thing that would be helpful along your journey of
than a conqueror, my brothers and sisters. It‘s time to healing is to also pick up a journal and record your
speak a word over your life that you shall live and not thoughts during this time. Believe it or not, writing is
die! You have Victory NOW, in the name of Jesus! therapeutic and will help in times when you do feel you
can‘t see your way through or ―I would never find love.‖
Writing actually puts things into perspective and allows
SISTAH Talk: Do you believe being a product of the you to look back on yourself, months down the line and
adoption system can impact decisions about see just where you‘ve come from. I guarantee you; you
relationships? will not be in the same place as before. Sometimes the
questions you once had, you seemed to get answers to
Elder Lily: I believe it depends on the person. There later on. This is also a time when you can write down the
are many who have been adopted into loving families things you want and don‘t want in a mate. Be very
who teach them the value of relationships, give them specific and allow God to speak through you. You don‘t
love and attention and are true parents who wanted always have to make your requests known by mouth. He
them from the start. If an adopted child grows up in an reads and honors your words on paper as well. Look at
environment not loved, not cared for, abused and this familiar scripture, ‗And the LORD answered me, and
misused, then yes, it could very well impact them said, Write the vision, and make [it] plain upon tables,
possibly for the rest of their lives. They will forever that he may run that readeth it.‘ This should include your
aimlessly look for love in all the wrong places. And vision for a mate.
everyone they come in contact with them will feed off of
it, causing more damage than good. It‘s important that
we seek the hand of God for our lives and recognize
18 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
SISTAH Talk: Please share any upcoming projects
that you are involved in. The second book, which I have been working on now for
over a year, is entitled There’s Hope for the Weary:
Elder Lily: I have a two recent children‘s books that God’s Promises through Life’s Greatest Storms. This is
have hit the market entitled The Last Shall Be First: An truly a book that speaks to the hearts of millions of
Act of Forgiveness & Daughter of Destiny. It is the first individuals who are living in some of the most
two books in a series of six that is a modern day Fat challenging times of their lives, due to the downturn of
Albert of sorts. The first book is about a little boy named the economy. During this recession, many have lost their
Caleb. During one of Ms Frazier‘s fifth grade bible jobs, lost their homes, and even lost their sense of hope
lessons on forgiveness at Noah's Christian Academy, of ever getting on their feet again. This book will not only
Caleb daydreams about his being constantly bullied by inspire, but also share the glorious promises of a God
the school‘s gang, who teases him after learning of his who is a restorer of all things lost in their lives. This
less than perfect living arrangements within a foster devotional book will empower people to live and not die
home. Even as well-kept as the home might be, it through the certainty of Christ‘s love for a dying world.
doesn't keep him away from those who refuse to see This book should be out by summer of 2012.
him as he really is. One day after being beat up by his
aggressors, Leander and Marcus, Caleb decides to
focus his attention towards keeping his grades in check SISTAH Talk: How may you be contacted?
while helping his favorite teacher with school chores and
activities to get his mind off of the negativity these bullies Elder Lily: Anyone is welcome to find out more
bring to him and everyone around them. One day when information or to book me for one of your upcoming
the school's computer lab gets vandalized, it is now a events by going to my website at
test of character and forgiveness that Caleb must pass www.lilyjenkinsministries.com, emailing me at
in order to see himself as a winner and first amongst him eldersheart@gmail.com, or by phone at 1-888-354-9970.
peers. But will his determination to succeed in school
overshadow his willingness to forgive those who have
despitefully used and abused him? SISTAH Talk: Please provide any other information
you would like to share with our readers.
The second book, called Daughter of Destiny is about a
girl named Jonetta. The main character in the first book, Elder Lily: An exciting seminar is coming your way in
Caleb, takes a back seat as Noah's Christian Academy 2012. ‗A New You, A New Purpose‘ Tour will be kicked
gains a new member to the student body. Jonetta off in Atlanta, GA on January 28, 2012 at the Hyatt
Jenkins is a bright, but seemingly delinquent child who Place-Perimeter Center, 1005 Crestline Parkway from
has had a few hang-ups in life. Raised by her single 10:00AM-3PM. I, along with Pastor Donald Jenkins will
father, Jonetta has to come to terms with living a life share Purpose Development secrets to help you design
without her mother. Until one day Caleb befriends your best life! You‘ll discover how to use purpose to
Jonetta and embarks on finding out the real reinvent yourself to live your best life, use purpose to
reason why her mother is not around, in the hopes of build a ―Smash Hit‖ personal brand, discover the ―You‖
reconnecting the two together, if only for one moment in the enemy can‘t touch, and so much more! Go to our
time. website to register-
http://www.purposedevelopmentinstitute.org.
I presently have two books that will be out in the coming
weeks. One that I‘m really excited about is entitled, Lady It will also be coming to Birmingham, AL, Memphis, TN,
of Purpose: 150 Thoughts to raise the bar of purpose for Fayetteville, NC, and Orlando, FL in the coming months.
your life. It is a short pocketbook catered to men and Be sure to check our website periodically for registration
women who are looking for a little inspiration each and times for your area. If you feel we should come to your
every day on their journeys to fulfilling purpose for their state, be sure to let us know that as well!
lives. There are quotes filled with wisdom, from myself
that have truly been what I‘ve lived by for many years. Finally, to purchase any of my books or to peruse the
They can meditate on one at a time, or read all over and many beautiful pieces of jewelry we have on hand for
over so that the wisdom derived from my experiences you or someone you know, go to
can sink in and become a part of them. It is sure to be a www.everythingthatslily.com!
blessing to many, because God has mandated it for
such a time as this.
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 19
Word on the Street
(Dating & Relationship Principles)
During Times of Rejection
By Evangelist Mary V. Pate
Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be
exalted in the earth. Isaiah 46:10
Often times we are rejected in relationships by parents,
friends, or colleagues. How do you handle rejection? Some of you remain in relationships and do not allow
Do you get angry and fret? I think not my friend. Trust yourselves to grow and letting go, especially when you
me, if someone throws you out of their life, it may be an know you should let go. Take time to find out who you
awesome move of God, although they think they are are and learn to realize the stands you should set for
dong something so great, and patting themselves on the yourself. Know your self worth.
back. But, if they only knew the God you serve, then
they would realize that God used them to get what He Even when we are brokenhearted and falling apart, God
needed for you. Remember, when you are serving God is working it out; what we think at the moment is going to
with your whole heart, God will use whomever He wants kill us, truly is for our own good. He is a merciful God.
to get what you need. When we ask the Holy spirit for something, and He
doesn't give it to us, He has rejected us because He
Listen, some rejection is good for you. Look back on knows what is best for our lives. Obviously, His rejection
past relationships and ask yourself, if he or she were still is for your good.
in your life, where would be you be today, or better yet,
what would you be doing? I thank Jesus for interceding Yet, if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be
on my behalf to my Father on numerous occasions and ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. I Peter
saving me from some of the disastrous relationships I 4:16
have been involved in. I always say, He saved me from
myself. Everything and everybody is not for me - how © Mary V. Pate – All Rights Reserved.
about you?
Evangelist Mary V. Pate is the Founder/CEO of Women on the Move Network, a non-profit organization in New Jersey,
as well as Keys 2 a New You, LLC, a Consulting and Coaching Company. Evangelist Mary is also an empowerment
speaker, evangelist, certified professional coach, and diligently seeks the heart of God Almighty.
Visit Evangelist Mary online at www.mvpateministries.com
20 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
Highlights from “Ready to Be a Wife”
How to Get Asked Out on More Dates
“Beauty will attract his attention but tenderness will capture his heart.” – Christine Pembleton
Sarah, a previous private client, came to me because approach a woman who seems picky or difficult to
she was totally confused as to why she wasn‘t in a please. So, be gracious when you‘re approached,
committed relationship. She was attractive, intelligent even if you don‘t feel the same. Someone is always
and caring to the people who were close to her. But watching you.
when she went out with her friends, men treated her like
she was invisible. 3. When an attractive man asks you out, say yes –
One of the problems a lot of my clients have is that
To top it all off, her friend had just recently gotten they freeze up when a man they find attractive
engaged. And let‘s just say, Sarah didn‘t feel this friend catches their eye. One woman said she felt like she
was as eligible as she was. (We worked on her jealousy was back in middle school. She was embarrassed
issues too). So, she signed up for our program and we because she got weak in the knees.
got to work to find out why she wasn‘t dating – not even
a little bit. It wasn‘t too long before we discovered the But here‘s the thing – being nervous around a guy
problem. you like is a good thing. It‘s one of the body
language cues that lets a man know you‘re
interested. So, be in the moment and enjoy the
As we started working together, we found out that Sarah
attention. You said you wanted to be in a
felt uncomfortable around people she didn‘t know. She
relationship, right? Don‘t mess it up!
wanted to be in a relationship, but she wasn‘t doing
things to invite new people into her space.
Being asked out on more dates is easy when you go
with the flow and have fun. Everyone is nervous when it
Now, Sarah had a problem I think many women have. If
comes to attraction
you want to be asked out more often, here are a few tips
to get you started.
If you‘d like my personal help, get started by scheduling
1. Get out of the house more — You don‘t have to be a Meet the One Breakthrough Session. If you‘re more
of a do-it-yourself woman, purchase the Date Magnet
the ―life of the party‖ for men to approach you.
Secrets course and learn how to have fun in your dating!
Although 40% of all committed relationships start
when people met at school and work, if you haven‘t
been asked out in a while you may be a little rusty. Are you single past the time you thought you'd be? Do
Get out into the world and have fun doing things you you know your future husband is out there somewhere,
like to do. Get comfortable being around people, but don't know how to meet him? Get the FREE audio
men in particular. CD "The 3 Keys to Marrying Well" and get your love
life back in control.
2. Appreciate all the attention you get – I know it can
be tempting to downplay the men who give you a www.ReadytobeaWife.com
wink if they‘re – well – not your type. (i.e. ugly, old,
too young, short, etc.). But a woman who doesn‘t
appreciate being approached is not attractive. Men
who are sincere and ready for a relationship won‘t
Christine Pembleton is a proud wife, mother, Companionship Coach, talk show host, author and speaker. With a
sincere desire to encourage and empower women who want fulfillment and happiness in their marriages, she
helps people understand who God created them to be through her coaching, speaking and writing. In June 2009,
Christine released her bestselling book, Lord, I’m Ready to Be a Wife, to encourage women who want to get
married, and introduce the basics of being a wife.
After the international success of her book, Christine started Ready to Be a Wife™, whose purpose is to show
women how they can realize their dream of marriage. She is also available for speaking, workshops and tele-
seminars for your group.
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 21
Virtuosity (Marriage & Divorce principles)
www.parenttoparent.com/divorce.php
Prepare Yourself and Your Children
By Earl Johnson, Ph.D.
Have you sought advice from a domestic violence Train your mind to be alert, practice escape routes,
professional? establish a plan to escape, live by the code, and be
prepared for anything, anytime and in any place.
Have you entered marriage coaching or counseling or
family therapy? Get to know your neighbors and exchange phone
numbers. However, do not assume that the neighbor will
Did you alert family, friends and coworkers not to help you and not your spouse or that the neighbor will
interfere during an argument with your spouse unless believe you and not your spouse!
you request it or if you are under immediate attack!
Join your local neighborhood Watch program. In this
Immediately engage a family attorney and seek advice way, you will meet people that are concerned about their
regarding the effects of spousal abuse on the outcome own safety and protection and will be the first to assist
of your divorce, custody and alimony details. Most often, you. Attend local meetings that are provided by local
violent abuse takes place within the home or work place. authorities and educators, understand the term crises
management and how it may benefit you in your quest
for safety and home security
Enroll yourself and your children in martial arts or self-
defense training from the experts or attending classes on
how to respond to an attack. If you have already Learn first aid and CPR and have any teenaged children
participated in these classes, you must follow-up with trained with you.
constant training and education or you may fail in your
attempt to protect yourself and your children from a
violent attack.
22 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
God’s House of Deliverance Church | 17520 12 Mile Road, Suite 211 | Southfield, Michigan
Meeting Pkg:
- $20 per hour
- up to 20 people
- Includes (use of): audio, chairs, & tables
Church Pkg:
- $50 per week ($200 per month)
- up to 20 people
- Includes: 2-hour service on Sundays, plus 1-hour bible study
during the week.
- Includes (use of): audio, chairs, & keyboard
* Audio/Visual pkgs are available as well!
Give us a call if these deals interest you.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
Dr. Martina Wade-Hill
Senior Pastor, God's House of Deliverance Church
Phone: 248-225-5531
Brother Phil Hill and Pastor Martina Wade-Hill
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 23
Domestic Violence & Abuse
Living Free
By Linda A. Haywood
October 2011 marked Domestic Violence Month. This blamed myself for the abuse. He often told me that if I‘d
year marked twenty years that I have lived free and as a act with sense he would treat me better. I never acted
survivor of domestic violence. Twenty years sometimes with enough sense to meet his approval.
seems like a lifetime ago. At other times my memories
and the fear I lived are as clear as if it were yesterday. I remember the first time this assailant hit me. We were
arguing and he threw me on the bed and began choking
As a young child, I had witnessed domestic violence in me. In an effort to get him off me, I kneed him in the
my home as I watched my mother being frequently groin. That‘s when he slapped me, busting both my nose
assaulted by my sister‘s father. As the years went by and my lip. He later apologized. He said he slapped me
and his violence escalated more and more, my sister‘s out of reflex when I kneed him. In other words, ―It just
father began to abuse my siblings and I as well. By the happened before he knew it.‖ Another year passed by
time that I turned ten-years-old, my mother had had with increasing violence and decreasing apologies. As
enough. With the assistance of my grandmother and our far as we both were concerned, I was always
aunt, my mother, along with my seven-year-old brother, responsible for his abuse.
my eight month old sister and I boarded an airplane in
the middle of the night in Oakland, California headed to The last time that he assaulted me it was three weeks
a new life in Muskegon, Michigan. before Thanksgiving. He was taking me to work and we
were arguing all along the way. Finally he stopped the
Witnessing my mother‘s abuse made me vow that I‘d car at a red light and I opened the door saying I would
never let a man hit me. I wouldn‘t stay in that relationship get out and find my own ride the rest of the way. He
one more minute after he touched me! I was assaulted a quickly grabbed the door, slammed it, swerved the car
number of times by boyfriends while I was in high school around in a U-turn, stopped and gave me a hard back
before there ever was a term known as dating violence. I hand. Blood splattered all over the front of my blouse as
was convinced that the abuse was my fault and I was my head slammed into the passenger side window,
the only one in my class being slapped around so I said shattering the window.
nothing.
The next thing that I remember was him pulling me out
At the age of nineteen I married my ex-husband and I of the car by my blood soaked blouse threatening to beat
lived abuse free for the next six years. We ―grew apart‖ me more when he got me inside the apartment. He
then divorced and at age twenty-five, imagine my shock ended up being spooked away by my landlord who just
when I found myself in another abusive relationship! My happened to stop by that day. Still bleeding, I was
assailant moved in with me fairly quickly and began transported to the hospital by ambulance and learned
abusing me shortly after we got together. During the first that the vessels in both my eyes were torn, my nose was
six and a half months of our relationship I believed that broken, several of my teeth were broken, I had severe
he could return back to the man that I had met if he bruising and bleeding inside my forehead and my wrist
would just leave the crack cocaine alone. During the last was fractured.
six and a half months of our relationship I believed that
he could return to the man that I had met if I would just I spent the next two weeks at a women‘s shelter for
leave the crack cocaine alone which I had become domestic violence. I looked as if I had been hit by a bus.
addicted to during our relationship. My assailant never spent a day in jail. He claimed that
he was arguing with me, tried to hold me by the face but
The next boyfriend was also physically and verbally I ―went crazy,‖ snatched away and hit my head on his
abusive towards me, however, unlike with the last car window. It wasn‘t easy but I finally walked away for
boyfriend, I would fight him back. Of course I lost almost good.
every fight I didn‘t immediately recognize that he was
abusing me because there were a number of times when In the end, with God‘s help, I started college and
he got in my face cursing me that I hit him first. I was no graduated with honors. I next enrolled at the university
longer on drugs and he only occasionally drank but I still level and obtained both my Bachelor and Master‘s
24 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
degrees with honors. I became employed in the social am a social worker, a licensed minister and a published
work field and I have been abundantly blessed to finally author and I am enjoying life!
be free of the violence that was such a part of my life. I
© 2011 Linda Haywood – All Rights Reserved.
Linda Haywood is an award-winning writer. In 1998, she received her first award, The Lorene Erickson Award for a
fiction story that she wrote titled, ―A Mother‘s Anguish.‖ It is featured in Washtenaw Community College‘s magazine, The
Northern Spies.
E-Mail Linda at lhaywood45@yahoo.com
Worth More than Rubies Monthly Fellowships
From the Christian principles of faith, hope and love to deeper biblical teaching on healing, finances, relationships, and the
Holy Spirit, we're here to assist in your daily walk with God.
Find real-life answers to questions about salvation through Jesus Christ, effective prayer, and successful Christian living.
If you live in the Houston area, please feel free to attend our Worth More than Rubies monthly fellowships. We meet every
4th Saturday at the Springhill Suites Marriott 1400 OST Houston, Texas 77054 10:00am.
Upcoming Events…
Morning Prayer Call, “Journeying Beyond the Veil” – 6:30am (CST)
Call 218-862-6789, Access code: 625153
Titus 2 Tuesdays – 8:00pm (CST)
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worthmorethanrubies
Call 646-595-3716
Hour of Power Bible Study, Every Wednesday – 7:00pm,
Jones Praise and Worship Center
115 West Road
Houston Texas 77037
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 25
IDVAAC Conference
April 30-May 1, 2012
Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
Norfolk, VA
Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community
1404 Gortner Avenue, 290 Peters Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108
conference@idvaac.org | www.idvaac.org
26 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
FAITH & FINANCES
Financial Takeover
st
1 Principle of a Financial Takeover- Stewardship
Excerpts from Hostile Takeover - Manifesting God’s Plan and Purpose
for Your Finances
By Cedric Dukes
Psalm 24:1 declares that, ―The earth is the Lord’s and second characteristic of a good steward. A steward must
the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell have the ability to learn (educate himself). No one knows
therein.‖ Everything we have on this earth is the Lord‘s. everything. Proverbs 24:5 states that, ―A wise man is
We do not own anything. We are managers of the earth strong; yea, a man of knowledge increases strength.‖
and all the possessions therein. We are tenants. We have to educate our mind to become mentally
Everything belongs to God. The cars, houses, jobs and strong; when we become mentally strong, we are
the money are all His. We cannot take it with us when unstoppable and our knowledge increases. When we
we die. God allows us to use these things in order to become more knowledgeable about our finances, our
bring Him glory and for our good. This is called financial value will increase because we put the right
stewardship. Stewardship is simply managing someone investment in the right place.
else‘s resources to accomplish an objective. God is your
source. It is your job to use or ―re-source‖ the provision The final characteristic of a good steward is that he
that God supplies. Therefore, your resources are God‘s. takes risks. Since a steward is faithful and has the ability
He is the One who has given us all things. There are to learn, he must take a risk to see if the new area of
several characteristics of a good steward noted in the investment will work. Ecclesiastes 11:6 says that, ―In the
Bible. morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not
thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper,
First, the steward must be faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2 either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike
states, ―Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man good.‖ To sow is to take a risk. Most of us do not take
be found faithful.‖ It is the responsibility of the steward to risks because we have not understood that it takes a risk
become faithful with God‘s resources. The steward does to sow. Remember, stewardship is the managing of
not squander God‘s resources on frivolous things. The God‘s resources. You have been given the ability to
steward does not spend money like it is going out of create a profit with the resources given to you by the
style. He is faithful with what he is given. In other words, Heavenly Father.
he acts and lives prudently based on a predetermined
plan to accomplish a set goal. This brings me to my © Cedric Dukes – All Rights Reserved.
Cedric Dukes is an ordained deacon, author, speaker, and columnist. His book, Hostile Takeover - Manifesting God’s
Plan and Purpose for Your Finances, has changed the way people think about finances and has been featured
nationally. You may contact him at www.cedricdukes.com.
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 27
A SISTAH’s Closet
How to Look Fabulous this
Winter Without Breaking the
Bank!
Top 4 Fashion Favorites for Winter
sirens have returned to haunt the fashion world once
more.
ONE: Military
Let‘s start with the military look. From jackets to coats
FOUR: The Cape
the military trend still has loads of mileage. But there is
a definite trend away from the army surplus or goth look Capes are all about fantasy, superheroes and dressing
towards something more stylish and tailored. A key up. Little girls adore them. But big, grown up girls love
element in these coats and jackets is a double breasted them even more. Capes this Winter are highly visible on
style with symmetrical military buttons. the high street and at fashion shows and on catwalks.
You'll find plenty of great capes with a military theme but
just as many that are pure 'civilian' with classic style that
should stay in fashion for more than one season.
TWO: Aviator Fortunately, this year's capes are highly practical; with
relatively short length and often have vents for the arms.
Following on from the military look is the Aviator. This is
typically characterized by a leather jacket, usually FINALLY, Dare to be an Avocado?
shearling or sheepskin, with a very high collar that is
cozy and snug on cold winter days. But you can still
Here is a useful tip. Why not combine the more austere
achieve the overall look with a biker or bomber jacket.
Military look on the mean streets with the more feminine
You can then add an aviator scarf and a suitable hat or
Femme look inside? Show the world that there are two
cap.
contrasting sides to your personality.
So here is what you should do. March briskly along the
THREE: Femme Fatale, Film Noir and sidewalk in that stylish but cozy military coat.
the Femme Fatale But once inside, slip out of the coat, ditch the scarf and
gloves and reveal that silky, slinky gown of the true
Last winter there was a subtle echo of the Femme Fatale femme fatale.
on the fashionable sidewalks of New York, Chicago and
even on the pavements and boulevards of London and Like peeling an avocado, the hard outer protective shell
Paris. Femme fatale is a look that never really goes out falls away revealing the soft woman within.
of fashion. In 2011, the ghosts of the silver screen
28 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
Health & beauty
How to Apply Eyelash Extensions Correctly
A woman always wants to be beautiful. The most important element of beauty is our eyes. There are many ways to
emphasize the beauty of eyes. One of them is eyelash extension.
Eyelash extensions should be preferably natural. this case you will be constantly trifling with the
Eyelashes can be single or in a bunch. It is better to use eyelashes and that will reduce their service lifetime.
natural glue, for example, on the basis of a special resin.
It can be black or colorless. A black glue will look as a Extended eyelashes need simple but daily care. Here
thin eyeliner and a colorless one will look natural. are some tips on how to prolong the service lifetime of
Eyelashes are captured with tweezers and placed on the your eyelashes.
line of the roots of natural eyelash. It should be done
very carefully.
Do not rub eyes with extended eyelashes.
If you use mascara, wash it off carefully.
Eyelash extension is a very accurate process. But it is Do not use waterproof mascara, as it needs to be
worth it because you will be provided with beautiful washed off by special agents which contain oil.
eyelashes for three weeks. After this period of time a Eyelashes fall out faster because of oil.
correction should be done. Natural eyelashes live just for
Do not use oily creams.
three weeks, and then they fall out together with the
Do not rub the eyelashes on a pillow while sleeping,
extended lash.
because they can fall out.
At present eyelash extension procedure is absolutely
If you are confident in your abilities, you can extend
harmless. There are practically no contradictions, but
eyelashes yourself. Eyelash extension procedures are
there are some suggestions:
taught by many salons. You will be told about the rules
of applying eyelash extensions and about follow-up care.
If you have weak eyelashes, then you should not What is more, you can get a certificate. And who knows,
apply the eyelash extension, as is the effect will not maybe you will be able to make great money.
last long;
If you have eye diseases or allergies, you also And finally, it is better to see once the eyelash extension
should not apply the eyelash extension; technique in order to make a decision whether to extend
Please check whether you have an allergy to the eyelashes yourself or to rely on professionals. Excerpt
glue. Therefore extend some eyelashes on trial one from
day before the extension. If there are no redness or http://womenbeautysecrets.net/eyeseyebrowseyelashes/
rashes, then you have no allergy, and can safely 6-how-to-apply-the-eyelash-extension-procedures-
apply the eyelash extension procedures; correctly.html
Contact lenses are not a contraindication for eyelash
extensions. But consider whether you feel
comfortable while removing and inserting lenses. In
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 29
Services & Business Network FEATURE
LaTonya Barber and the I’m Every Woman Expo
The I'm Every Woman Expo was created and produced by LaTonya Barber,
CEO of Eloquets Enterprise LLC in collaboration with a select group of
prestigious women business owners and organizations to host this spectacular,
annual event. Because of its' proven success, we are pleased to announce the
expansion of this event taking place in several states. By partnering with
organizations and event management companies nationwide, all women,
regardless of their race, age, or social class, will have the opportunity to
experience what our exhibitors, attendees, speakers, sponsors, and committees
experience. Women from all walks of life engage in better health, financial
wellness, education, entrepreneurship, image~all these things and more make
us better for our families, communities, but more importantly, ourselves.
The I'm Every Woman Expo is a nationally known, one-day celebration for
women. Detroit has successfully launched this event since 2008, honoring
women such as Mayor Brenda Lawrence of Southfield, MI, Pastor Wilma
Johnson of New Prospect Baptist Church, and United States Senator Debbie
Stabenow. You're invited to join the NATIONWIDE Expansion in 2011, as
this event will launch in SATURDAY, October 1, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at
Courtyard by Marriott in Culver City, California. Our guest includes Dawn
Osborne, Dr. Leslie Seppinni, and woman of the year recipients Congress
Woman Maxine Waters and Yvette Emard. This event, will consist of
exclusive vendors, interactive workshops, giveaways, fashions, appetizers,
Woman of the Year Awards and more. The I'm Every Woman Expo is filled
with positivity, support, and warmth and you're invited to join the
movement!!!!!
For more information, visit www.imeverywomanexpo.com
30 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
Jerk Chicken & Pork * Curry Goat * Fish * Rice & Peas * Sandwiches * Roti
Tropical Salads * Island Beverages
Under the new management of native Jamaican Robert Campbell, Jamaican Jerk Pit is a small, unique restaurant serving
up the very best Caribbean dishes. Although our dining area is small in scale, our dishes are packed with huge flavor and
tropical flare. You can be sure you'll find scrumptious meals here, using only the freshest ingredients and imported goods.
Jamaican Jerk Pit strives on making each meal very authentic to what you would find in any Caribbean kitchen. Featured
dishes include specialties from around the islands such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Bahamas, just to name a
few. Our island staff knows just the right way to deliver unique and tasty meals, time and time again. To maximize your
taste satisfaction, each entree is made-to-order, fresh in the kitchen. Nothing mass produced here! Island foods have
been known by most to be hot and spicy, but "no worries"! We cater to your unique tastes and spice levels.
We welcome you to our site and hope your island journey is a memorable one! Your tropical island getaway begins now!
So sit back, relax and let our personable staff bring the warmth and hospitality of the Caribbean to you!
SUNDAY ISLAND MINI BUFFET
A combination of our most popular and tasty dishes, in an all-you-can eat buffet!
1:00pm to 7:00 pm
Price: $11.95 per person
Add Plantains or Dessert to any buffet for $2.00 more!
HOURS:
Monday – Thursday, 11:30am – 9:30pm
Friday, 11:30am – 10:00 pm
Saturday, 12pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday, 12pm – 8:00 pm
314 South Thayer Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (734) 585-5278
www.jamaicanjerkpit.com
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 31
17344 West 12 Mile Rd. Suite 106, Southfield, MI 48076, www.RizelPhotography.com
32 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
Sara’s House/Place is helping to break the cycle of homelessness
one person at a time by providing women with the necessary resources and skills
to strengthen and gain their independence.
These families become self-sufficient and contributors to our economic growth.
Sara’s House/Place will allow the women to reside for at least two years.
During their residency, the women will be given the opportunity to
participate in the following counseling enrichment sessions:
Money Management
Health & Wellness
Education (G.E.D.)
Spiritual Enrichment
Family Care
www.SarasHouse.org
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 33
Soul SISTAHS Café of Poetry
& Suggested Reading
In A Whisper
by Wanda J. Burnside
God hears your every whisper,
He hears your every groan.
He promised to be there,
He will never leave you alone.
When the world is shouting
And so loudly making noise,
God still hears your faint whisper
For He knows His child‘s voice.
When you barely can make a sound
Because you are troubled and blue,
God yet hears your feeble whisper
For He cares about me and you.
We can‘t even hold a whisper
In the palm of our hand!
But, God hears every single whisper----
It‘s something we‘ll never understand!
God is truly AWESOME!
He is the ONLY One
Upon who you can depend.
He is there in the good and bitter times,
He is with you to the end!
When you are pressed with trouble
And feeling that nobody cares,
Send God your hurting whisper...
For He DEFINITELY HEARS whispered prayers!
© Wanda J. Burnside – All Rights Reserved.
34 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
What is the Treasure of Your Heart
by Deborah E. Bradley
What is the treasure of your heart?
What is the treasure of your heart?
The master truly knows
What you love to boast and show
What is the treasure of your heart?
Some magnify wealth and fame
Power, position, high names
Still others glorify the apple of their eye
What is the treasure of your heart?
Some worship beauty and youth
Others are seeking life's truth
But with all that you find
You may not find peace of mind
What is the treasure of your heart?
All the world's silver and gold.
Cannot buy peace for the soul
But the Master's hand you see
Hold's the lock and turns the key
To the greatest treasure, to the greatest treasure
To the greatest treasure of your heart
Gospel recording artist Deborah E. Bradley is a Washington, DC native and
special education teacher. She is also a member of Hope for Life Church of Christ
Church and serves as a member of their praise team. Tis the Season is Bradley‘s
sophomore CD. It releases Fall 2011. Her debut CD, Hope for Life was released
in 2010. She has appeared at Seaton Memorial AME Church of Lanham, MD and
Montplier Arts Center in Laurel, MD. Visit her at www.deborahedwardbradley.com
Click to listen to her new single “Joy to the World”
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 35
INSPIRATIONAL MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER AND WRITER
KISHA EMANUEL-DURRELL,
PUBLISHED AUTHOR OF HER BOOK, “TEN DAYS”
ABOUT COURAGE, CHANGE, AND ACTS OF FAITH
He did not understand why I was not in pain. Why was I not sick? Why there were no signs? He
did not know why I looked like nothing was wrong on the outside, but I was dying on the
inside. What do you want me to do? “He asked” I am going to live,” I said. He said, “Wait I
have to inform you, that you only have about ten days.”
High Praise for “Ten Days”
Ten Days is a must read! I was sitting here in the Marriott Hotel in Dallas, Texas when I
received an email about the publication of this book. From the onset of reading this
prophetic inspired masterpiece, it was clear that this message was birthed out of love and
inspiration for those being challenged with illness.
Ten Days clearly depicts a message that despite ones illness or diagnosis, a person has
the POWER and ALBILITY to FOCUS on LIVING and DYING. As one has said, it‘s not
how you do die, but how you LIVE! I ENCOURAG everyone to read this God inspired
message. It will INSPIRE you to LIVE: LOFE: to its FULLEST‖!
Ms. Robbie A. Haynes
Institute Global Ministries
I started and finished the book today, it was Amazing! I cried throughout the whole book; when I finished I was convicted
to make changes in my life and to reach for my dreams that I had put in the closet but now are a part of my daily plans.
Lydia Ballard
36 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
Brittney R. Dowdy is a visionary and an upcoming trailblazer. The President of Britdow Productions, she has worked with
some of the best talent in the country. Brittney is a motivational speaker, financial counselor, mentor, and one of the most
sought after conference coordinators in Michigan.
Exposed is the second book by former native of Benton Harbor, MI author Brittney R. Dowdy. It is intended to relate to
everyone from all walks of life: young, old, rich, poor, white, black, boy, girl, believers and non-believers. Exposed will help
bring healing and restoration to your heart, spirit and soul. It also gives true insight to how the Devil comes to fulfill his
mission to kill, steal and destroy. The Devil does not care whom he uses to finish his plan. Exposed now in its second
rendition is the untold story of how the author made it over! Exposed was first written and release in November 2005,
which focused on how the Devil, used drugs, alcohol and rejection to make her feel worthless. Brittney, decided that she
wanted her story to be a stage play and she became connect with Vanessa Lynn and Urban Playwrights United. After
attending a conference in Florida, Brittney decide to revisit Exposed and after discussing the matter with her mother, she
decided to add more to the book by telling, ―5 years later‖ which focused on the events after writing the first part Exposed.
Brittney R. Dowdy was born and raised in Benton Harbor, MI. At the age of five Brittney wrote her first book entitled, ―My
Church‖ which won numerous awards throughout the state of Michigan. In 2001, she graduated from Clay High School in
South Bend. Brittney graduated from Baker College in November 2011 with a degree in Business Management. In
March 2012 Brittney will be celebrating 11 years in radio broadcasting. Brittney has hosted the Britdow Morning show on
WETL 91.7 FM in South Bend, IN, and the Britdow Inspirational Show on WFPM (Albion, Jackson, Battle Creek, MI).
Brittney currently host ―Back by popular demand, the Britdow Show‖ on blogtalkradio.com. Brittney, currently works, lives
and attend church in West Michigan.
To learn how to obtain copies of Exposed, please visit
www.britdowproductions.com or call 269-245-2902.
www.britdowproductions.com
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 37
Christian Events & Evangelism (C.E.E.) Network
Stephanie J. Pride the Voice of Triumph
,
“Heating Up Detroit”
By Earl Sides, Hope Today Magazine
―Praise & Worship is not the first 15 minutes of the
worship service. Praise & Worship is singing in such a
way that songs pierce heaven and sets up the
atmosphere where God can dwell.‖
Detroit Michigan‘s-based music has been recognized
worldwide, from Motown to Iggy Pop to Eminem. Gospel
music is no exception. Detroit has been called the
Gospel Music Capital of the World, and has made a
profound impact on gospel music around the world.
Independent recording companies and radio programs
also boosted the popularity of gospel music, along with
Detroit‘s abundance of talented singers, composers and
musicians. A new talent is on the horizon and is
establishing herself as a fresh new sound of urban
traditional praise & worship- Stephanie Jene Pride is
heating up Detroit.
into different churches in and outside of Detroit and is
Stephanie is no stranger to Gospel Music. Her father changing the atmosphere. God is using her to go into
and mother, Bishop Steven and Valorie Bennett, Pastors the more traditional churches and establish praise &
of House of Prayer and Praise, have pushed Stephanie worship ministries. She is taking Detroit by storm and is
into singing for most of her life. It was her father that being used by God to renew and reinvigorate an
found her gift over 15 years ago, while observing her at atmosphere of praise & worship in the house of God.
a Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship service. The ―Praise & Worship is not the first 15 minutes of the
Reverend Wilson James, Pastor of Abundantly Blessed worship service. Praise & Worship is singing in such a
Ministries, and Bishop Michael Jones, Pastor of Fountain way that songs pierce heaven and setting up the
of Truth Baptist Church pointed her out as a future atmosphere where God can dwell‖, says Stephanie.
Praise and Worship leader, while she was observed
singing with William Murphy III. Stephanie knew nothing There is no doubt that worship is the goal above any
about Praise & Worship leadership, but later moved from musical expression. Stephanie is working on completing
college and found herself doing Praise & Worship. Now, her first solo album which promises to offer
Stephanie has birthed a ministry that is transforming arrangements that are suitable for both listeners that
churches in and outside of Detroit, Michigan. want to integrate more "rock worship" songs or for praise
& worship teams that would like to expand into urban
Stephanie is also gifted in writing hymns. Her work sounds while maintaining a traditional foundation.
includes Jesus is Passing By; Holy, Holy; and Hallelujah,
He Deserves My Praise. She has commended her life to Stephanie attended the Detroit High School for the Fine
restore holiness in worship music. She writes songs that & Performing Arts. She is the Director of Music, Media &
deal with the holy attributes of God. Her songs honor Arts for House of Prayer and Praise in Detroit. Stephanie
God in his divinity and authority. Stephanie is blessed is featured on several Cd's, The Brenda Jefferson
with an incredible voice, musicianship, and the uncanny Project ―Time of Refreshing‖, On My Side and Bishop
ability to lead listeners and audiences in memorable Greg Davis and Tabernacle Baptist Church ―Today Is
worship experiences. The basis for Stephanie‘s Your Day For A Miracle‖, which Stephanie wrote the title
overwhelming success is simple, but yet profound. song.
Select songs that charge the atmosphere and rearrange
them into an accessible urban gospel arrangement. The Stay tuned for this anointed woman of God. She is
results are pretty exciting, and is heating up Detroit. heating up Detroit, but will soon be heard across the
nation!
Stephanie‘s greatest challenge was accepting herself as
a leader in the local church. Now Stephanie is going www.StephanieJPride.com
38 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 39
40 SISTAH TALK | OCTOBER – DECEMBER, 2011 | WWW.THESISTAHSMINISTRY.COM
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their Lives ™ 41