single!
A P U B L I C AT I O N O F O N M Y O W N N O W M I N I S T R I E S
Sept/Oct 2014
Young Christian Woman
Sin-Police Brutality Ice Bucket Challenge Philanthropy on the Rocks Stress Points in Your 20s
Sharetta-Nicole is B.O.S.S.
w w w. o n m y o w n n o w. c o m
Single! Young Christian Woman SEPT/OCT 2014, Vol. 6 On My Own Now Ministries, Inc., Publisher Donna Lee Schillinger, Editor Alisha Mattingly Assistant Editor Contributors Alisha Mattingly, John Pavlovitz, BJ Richardson, Felicia Rose, Andrea R. Williams Cover Photo: Stoney Photography Except where noted, content is copyright 2014 On My Own Now Ministries. Articles may be reprinted with credit to author, Single! and www. OnMyOwnNow.com. On My Own Now Ministries, Inc. is a nonprofit organization with a 501 (c) (3) determination. Your donations aid in our mission to encourage faith, wise life choices and Christ-likeness in young adults during their transition to living on their own. We welcome submissions of original or repurposed articles that are contributed without expectation of compensation. May God repay you. Visit us at www.OnMyOwnNow.com.
in this
issue...
Moving Out...Settling In
Sin Police: Selective Brutality Against a Fallen World
by John Pavlovitz The Recap
Ice Bucket Challenge Philanthropy on the Rocks
by BJ Richardson
View of a Skeptic: How the Ice Bucket Challenge has Inspired Philanthropy and Why You Shouldn’t Stop There
by Alisha Mattingly
Stress Points of Your 20s
Book Review by Felicia Rose Spare Change
A Righteous Holiday Gift
by Donna Lee Schillinger Center Ring
Sharetta-Nicole: Unimaginable Tragedy Can’t Stop An Undeniable Praise
by Andrea R. Williams
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.10 .12 .14
How to Get Ahead Proverbs 25:6-7, 11-12, 14, 19, 13, 15, 27 (how I would say it)
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hen you think you’ve finally arrived—this is your chance, your golden opportunity—be careful not to move too fast. Wait for those key people to take notice of you, rather than drawing attention to yourself. You don’t want to impress others as being an upstart who doesn’t follow protocol. (v.6-7) The best way to make a first-class impression is to just listen and do what’s asked of you. (v.12) When someone asks your opinion, a sincere and intelligent reply will earn you a stellar reputation. (v.11) A person who talks himself up and then doesn’t deliver is about as useful as a taxi that never shows up. (v.14) Yep, depending on a flake is as frustrating as a flat tire on a rainy morning. (v.19) Competency and loyalty are as rare and refreshing as a 50°F day in July—in West Texas! (v.13) Just be patient and wait for those key people to discover your good character and qualities through their dealings with you. Remember, flowing water eventually carved the Grand Canyon. Pace yourself. You wouldn’t eat an entire cake just because it’s your birthday. Likewise, don’t try to get ahead too quickly, even when it seems like this is your big break.
Read More Scripture (how I would say it)
moving out
Sin Police Selective Brutality Against a Fallen World
“US Customs and Border Protection officers”. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:US_Customs_and_Border_Protection_officers.jpg#mediaviewer/File:US_Customs_and_Border_Protection_officers.jpg
S
in. We Christians love that word.
Well, I should say, we love to use that word...albeit extremely selectively. The word “sin,” essentially means to “miss the mark.” It’s the way the Bible describes a life that in a million different ways isn’t measuring up to the standard that is God (which, in case you’re not familiar with the Bible, includes everyone in the Bible... with one major exception). Given that truth, sin is a word that should breed commonality and kinship among all us
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non-Jesus folks: We’re all less than God, so we’re all in the same struggling, flimsy boat here. We’re all in this sin-mess together, right? Not so much. In any discussion that church people have whether in person, on TV, or online, things usually get real ugly, real fast. Wherever Christians are talking about pretty much anything, (faith, life, sex, government, race, death, love, etc.), it isn’t long before stuff escalates, voices get raised, heated words are exchanged, and then the
settling In cops show up: The self-appointed “SinPolice.” The Sin-Police come flyin’ in like holy heroes, bustin’ heads, and layin’ down the Law. They unholster that aforementioned Bible, and they unleash the “Lord’s fury” down upon the heads of the bad guys, in searing hot chapter-and-verse bullets, designed to kill on contact. The only problem is, the “bad guys,” that they’re targeting almost never include themselves. That’s the problem with the Sin-Police; they’re trigger happy with other people’s lives, and gun-shy with their own. You see, even though sin is supposed to be a universal condition of all living souls, in practice and in theology, most Christians really define sin as, “The bad stuff that other people are doing.” This is the arrogant, skewed mindset that governs the Sin-Police, and gives them the perceived authority they need to do the “Lord’s work” of sin eradication in their lifetime. Sin, (someone else’s junk), is always the justification for their show of force, which makes challenging or disagreeing with them almost impossible. And so they canvas blog comments sections, coffee shop conversations, online sermons, and radio talk show airwaves for any hint of wrongdoing, as determined by their decidedly narrow definition, and they dispense justice, swiftly and brutally. And here’s the biggest problem of all, Christian: You are the Sin-Police. I am the Sin-Police. It’s not just people on the other side of your arguments who use sin selectively. It isn’t simply those who hate the things you love, or ignore the causes you endorse, or espouse the ideas you despise. It isn’t those across political aisles, or denominational designations, or hot button social issues. We all take the Law into our own hands when it suits us.
Jesus gives some good counsel to we who would be tempted to become selective sin enforcers, and it’s about self-policing. He says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5 Let’s be honest here; there are countless Scripture sound bytes we can all trot out to supposedly justify our tough, unflinching stance on another person’s life(their actions, motives, language, dress, social lives, spending, sexual activity, parenting, politics, etc). That makes us feel better while we crusade, and gives us the warm, moral satisfaction of feeling like we’re on “God’s side” as we confront someone else’s mess. Maybe there’s a better way. Maybe Jesus is on to something. Maybe it’s simpler than we’d like to admit. If we, who call ourselves followers of Christ, really believe that what the Bible says about sin is true, that we’re all in the same struggling, flimsy boat here, maybe we’d be better served laying down our guns, and pick up a mirror. Then, let’s see how much we all really love Justice, and just how tough we wanna be on the “sinners.” Chances are we’d all probably cop-out. John Pavlovitz is a father of two (Noah and Selah) and husband of one (Jennifer); a 14-year youth ministry veteran, specializing in rabble-rousing, engineering mayhem and generally trying to live-out the red letters of Jesus. Follow his blog: JohnPavlovitz.com: Stuff that Needs to be Said.
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the recap
Philanthropy on the Rocks by BJ Richardson
Ice, ice, baby. Who’s over it? It’s been a chilly summer, for sure, and America will be thawing for months to come. What do you make of the phenomenon? In the next pages, we offer two opinions of the pros/cons and gray area in between of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Whether you did it or not, or ever would, it is worthwhile getting to the bottom of this thing by viewing the seven-minute ESPN video of how the Ice Bucket Challenge started with Pete Frates. If nothing else, it’s been a good reminder of the power of one. The Editors
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ut Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself. John 12:4-6 Read: Jeremiah 21:1-14, Jeremiah 34:1-22, Ezekiel 24:15 - 25:17, Ezekiel 29:1-16, Ezekiel 30:20 - 31:18 Relate: Have you been pulled in? At this point the ALS ice bucket challenge has mostly run its course, but you still see a video popping up here and there. Is one of them yours?
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Did you get suckered into doing the ALS ice bucket challenge? If not, it is really quite simple. Get someone to record it on video, grab some ice and water, throw it in a bucket, and you’re ready. Once the camera’s rolling, announce that you are doing this to raise money and awareness for ALS, mention a couple friends who now have twenty-four hours to do the challenge themselves, then have someone pour that bucket of ice and water over your head. Once done, post this to Facebook and watch the likes pile on. If you manage to throw in a funny twist then you even have the chance of becoming a Youtube sensation. Of course, ideally everyone who has done one of these videos is giving ten dollars to ALS but that part is usually conveniently ignored. “Raising awareness” is good enough. Also, those who refuse the challenge are supposed to give a hundred dollars. Right. Good luck with that. All this is really doing is giving a bunch of attention seekers a chance to get those Facebook “likes” they so desperately crave. Of course there are those on the flip side posting antiALS videos as well. “All that water being wasted is horrible for the environment.” Please. If you care that much, stop taking showers. You’ll find out who your true friends are real quick. They are the ones telling you to get off your high horse and back to the showering. Then there’s the Christian” argument, “ALS supports stem cell research and, therefore, they are evil.” Whatever. On both sides of this Internet sensation there are a whole bunch of people spewing out some very noble words, but all too often it is only because they have alternative reasons. They want the attention. They want to be seen as “doing good.” They want more “likes” than their friend got. They are Judas. Judas spewed out some noble words as well. What a waste. This could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Yes,
very noble Judas. Except you tend to help yourself to that money don’t you? And isn’t there a bit of jealousy in there as well? This woman, yes... woman, is performing an intimate act of worship that you, a “noble, respectable” man hadn’t even dreamed of doing. She is wasting herself for the Lord and you can’t stand it. So you dress yourself up in religious indignation and speak out against it. React: So we dress ourselves up in religious indignation and cry out against it. I have to admit, when this video craze first started going around I was half tempted to make one about why I won’t give to ALS. I was going to talk about all the other causes I give towards. I had to check myself. All I really wanted was to brag. I wanted to be noticed. I was about to do exactly what I was accusing others of doing. And in spite of all the false motives, the truth remains that millions of dollars have been given to finding a cure for ALS. Many more have taken up the challenge but given to a different cause they are passionate about. A gift given out of false motives is still better than nothing at all. So give. Don’t worry about the ice, or the video, or the attention. Just give. If it is for ALS, great. If there is another cause you feel passionate about, even better. Judas said the right things, but Mary did the right things. Which one will you imitate? When BJ Richardson isn’t reading or writing, he likes to sleep and occasionally eat something. He has spent over a dozen years working in college, youth, and children’s ministry. He is currently a digital missionary for Two Rivers Assembly in Binghamton NY and the author of The River Walk, a devotional blog at tworiversblog.com. Reprinted with permission.
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the recap View of a Skeptic: How the Ice Bucket Challenge has Inspired Philanthropy and Why You Shouldn’t Stop There
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by Alisha Mattingly
first saw the Ice Bucket Challenge on Facebook when a small Relay for Life group I used to be a part of started posting videos. The group chose to donate to the American Cancer Society via their Relay for Life team before the water was poured over their heads. It seemed like a pretty clever way to make money, given how people typically respond to a challenge and to competition. I saw the video on a few pages, and then it went away. Several weeks later, Facebook was inundated with celebrity ice bucket videos in support of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (ALSA). Like many others, I learned more about ALS and how research for a cure is poorly funded. Although I was compelled by the cause, it didn’t make me want to pour freezing water over my head. More and more celebrities participated in creative ways, and then I began to notice my own Facebook friends making videos and tagging people. It was at that moment that I declared, somewhat vociferously, that there was no way I would participate in the challenge. The primary reason is that I am uncooperative and refuse to participate in popular trends. I have carefully selected
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charities to which I donate, and I don’t like being pressured by my peers to donate to a charity I’m not familiar with. Millions of people felt differently. As of September 3, 2014, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge had raised $107.4 million in donations. According to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge FAQ, that is enough money to operate the organization, which supports research, patient and community services, and public and professional education, for four years. This is quite an achievement for a charity that reached out to the American people in a grassroots movement to raise money and awareness. After reading the statistics on the challenge, I was impressed. Americans were good sports and offered themselves up for public humiliation in order to support the cure to a fatal disease. And yet the initiative is not without its critics. Some disagree with the ethics of ALSA. Some accuse people of frivolously donating and jumping on the bandwagon for personal publicity. I have already pointed out that the initiative wouldn’t be of much interest to those who already donate to favorite charities. The simple rebuttal for all of these arguments lies in scripture. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” God wants us to give, and he wants us to put effort and thought into our offerings. The ice bucket challenge, therefore, has inspired more than just millions of dollars donated to a charity; it has inspired thoughtful and unprecedented cheerful giving. The real problem with ice bucket mania is that it is a fad. People who participate donate to the charity once, and then what? How many people will return annually to give? How can the ALSA and other charities
that have large outpourings during large events, fundraisers, or crises keep people engaged in philanthropy? As summer comes to a close, the ice bucket challenge videos are down to a trickle on Facebook feeds. By the dead of winter, will we have slumped back to the self-satisfaction of tossing a quarter in The Salvation Army bucket at Christmastime? Philanthropy is much more than making a cash contribution, even if that’s a great place to start. God’s expectation for your time and talents are a bit more inclusive: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is
contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully” (Romans 12:6-8). If you’ve taken the plunge into charitable giving with the ice water challenge, don’t stop there! Continue giving money and pour God’s love into the world too. Alisha Mattingly lives in Kansas City and spends her time as a wife, helicopter mom, maid, master chef, party planner, writer, English major, babysitter, and editing intern. When she isn’t doing any of that, she is asleep. She maintains that she is a starving artist and struggling student of this world in a never ending existential crisis who relies on God to help her through it.
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the the recap Recap
Stress Point Thriving Through Your Twenties in a Decade of Drama Book Review by Felicia Rose
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fter reading the book Stress Point-Thriving Through Your Twenties in a Decade of Drama by Sarah Francis Martin, I am amazed at how many areas I now incorporate God that I never really thought about before. This book goes through 10 points that Martin says are the hardest for women navigating their 20s. Each chapter has three “girlfriend” stories—scenarios within the context of the identified stress point.
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The idea is that everyone can relate to at least one of the three stories. The chapter takes the reader through the girlfriend’s journeys, as well as the readers own journey with interactive questions, thoughts, and journaling activities. The format of Stress Point does take some time to complete. The average chapter took 30 to 45 minutes to finish because of the built-
in writing exercises. Every chapter is filled with information, but also had activities for the reader with individual views, knowledge and experiences, and then built both on the information in the book and the reader’s participation. I identified to some extent with every stress point, but the chapters that made the most impact were the stress points on self-image, body image, and dating/love. These were especially relevant to me because, even though I am in my late 20s with a degree and a successful career, I struggle with the single life and the effect it has on my self-image. I discovered, through the interactive journaling questions, that I unrealistically believe that I am unattractive and not good enough simply because I am still single at the age of 27. The truth I realized, as I read these stress points, is that I am single because I have been waiting for the “right kind of guy,” and that is okay. I have worked hard to obtain my current level of education and success, and will not let just anyone in on that. I also love my God and want someone who will serve Him (side by side with me), not just in words, but in deeds. This book helped affirm the value in waiting on
a godly husband and that having or not having a boyfriend does not determine my value. Another great aspect of Stress Point is that it ties God’s desires for young women into each and every stress point. It helps the reader focus on the King and making Him the basis of decisionmaking. Bible verses and references fill every chapter. There are also YouTube videos to watch after you have completed a chapter that bring it all together. Overall this book has changed the way I view myself, my life, and my dating relationships—not bad for $12.99 ($7.99 for Kindle version). Stress Point has been influential in helping renew my focus on God as I continue to navigate through my 20s. Stress Point-Thriving Through Your Twenties in a Decade of Drama by Sarah Francis Martin. 272 pp. $11.15 on Amazon; $7.99 in Kindle
"Our careers were never meant to be the center of our lives.
God planned your career to be a spoke in the wheel of your life, with Him alone as the hub of that wheel." Stress Point: Career
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Spare Change by Donna Lee Schillinger
Righteous* Holiday Gift Guide
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very multi-million dollar charity has a holiday gift catalog coming soon to a mailbox near you. In general, I favor the idea of charitable giving in lieu of numbing mallwalking to find something for the person who doesn’t need anything (that’s basically most Americans.) For the same amount you might spend on buying your mother a new sweater or piece of jewelry, how about giving a gift in her honor that would make a positive impact in the lives of people struggling in poverty? Sounds easy enough, but the problem for me is how to ensure that my gift is actually going to make the impact I’m being led to believe it is. For instance, I sponsor a child, David, through World Help, but I am not at all convinced that my $30-a-month contribution is actually making an impact in the life of the young man whose picture I have taped in my prayer journal. Supposedly, my gift is enabling David to go to school. But what do you think would happen if I decided not to sponsor him anymore? Would he be called to the office one day during math class and informed by the principal that, regrettably, his sponsor withdrew and he has 10 minutes to clean out his locker and leave the premises? I highly doubt it.
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I believe, instead, my $30 is aggregated with other funds to sponsor free education for all the children in that area, one of whom is David. Further, I feel sure that not all of my $30 is reaching that school. Even though, according to their annual report, less than 10 percent of funds collected are used on administration and fundraising, that other 90 percent likely goes to pay for staff, facilities and operating costs in the countries where World Help has program offices. Yes, those are legitimate program expenses that boost local economies, but if I want my $30 to go directly to David so he can start taking responsibility for his own school expenses or learn to live on a budget? Not happening. Call me jaded, but I like giving models that are a bit more transparent (though I continue to fund David out of fear that he’ll be expelled from school if I stop). I’ve spent a considerable amount of time researching organizations I thought had such models, only to find that they simply have more crafty ways of doing the same thing World Help does: taking my gift that I believe is doing one thing and doing something else with it. Even if that something else is all-together good, as a funder, I like to know, really know, what my money is going for. Which is why I am excited to tell you
about microlending. There are several notable the amount to $0. organizations that do this, and I encourage you I hope I’ve said enough to drive you to click to research it further, or just click through to through to Kiva and learn more about what Kiva. they do. It’s no secret – the organization issued Kiva’s mission is to connect people, through more than $66 million in microloans last lending, for the sake of alleviating poverty. year. That’s a lot of $25 and $50 donors! So With Kiva, you can actually give a gift that why haven’t I heard of this before? Probably keeps on giving. Rhetoric aside – you can because I haven’t been looking for ways to help spend $50 on a “gift” through Kiva, and use the world’s poor. I’ve been too busy asking, that same $50 to give another gift next year. “What will I eat?” or “What will I drink?”or So this year, give a $50 microloan in honor “What will I wear?” this holiday season of Mom to a 27-year-old woman in Tanzania (Matthew 6:31). who wants to open a café. When she pays Kiva offers “gift-giving” possibilities for any you back, you can use that same $50 to give a budget. There’s also the option of giving microloan in honor of Granddad to a barber $25 loan gift cards, so your friend or family in Mali who wants to purchase 5 new clippers, member can get the thrill of choosing the 6 pairs of combs and brushes, 5 containers borrower. Also check out the teams, including of bleach, 5 bottles of 90% alcohol, 10 bottles Kiva Christians. So stay in your jammies, of hair ointment, etc. Truth! These are actual take the laptop to the sofa with a cup of hot microloan requests from Kiva. Best of all, chocolate, and finish your holiday “shopping” there’s a field partner on the ground who with gifts that will not only warm the heart of makes sure the money is used correctly and the receiver and the giver, but will also honor reports back on the impact the loan made. As God (Prov. 14:31). for the administrative costs many other nonprofits try to act like don’t exist? Kiva suggests *Not in the sense of being “holier than thou,” a 15% processing fee on each loan, which but as a double entendre meaning “cool,” covers their overhead, but each and every one “awesome” and “amazing,” as well as “ethical,” of your $50 is going to that barber in Mali. If “scriptural” and “virtuous.” you don’t want to pay the processing fee, edit
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center ring
Sharetta-Nicole
Unimaginable Tragedy Can’t Stop An Undeniable Praise
All photos Š Stoney Photography
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feature article
Urban Inspiration Award Winner, multiple nominee for Atlanta’s Hottest Gospel Award, the Independent Gospel Artist Alliance Award and the Rhythm of Gospel Award.
By Andrea R. Williams
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eremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a plan for our lives. It’s a reminder we have to hold on to when tragedy strikes. Atlantabased Gospel artist Sharetta-Nicole is wellacquainted with grief but the experiences she’s endured have failed to take away her praise. The exceptionally-gifted musician, guitarist and singer has been singing God’s praises since she was a youngster. Like many, she honed her musical talents within the four walls of the church. Now an award-winning vocalist, SharettaNicole is preparing to release a brand new single entitled “Holy,” a vertically-directed praise and worship anthem, from her forthcoming sophomore CD “B.O.S.S.,” a clever collage of Gospel, rap and dance music which dropped in March 2014. “Holy” was the first song from the project scheduled to be released in late 2014. Anyone who knew where Sharetta-Nicole’s life began would have a hard time believing where she is today. Hailing from the streets of Detroit, Michigan, Sharetta-Nicole was raised by her parents with eight other siblings. Almost from the start, her childhood was a troubled one. Recounting the harrowing story, she says, “I was molested at a very young age by a brother and an uncle. When I was 12 years old, I lost my father in an unfortunate and tragic medical accident. Responding to
the screams of my mother, my brothers and I ran to the bedroom to find my father lying against the bed on one knee dying. In my heart and spirit, I felt my father’s spirit leaving the room and I knew right then and there that my father was gone. It appears as though a dental procedure that had taken place less than 24 hours earlier caused a blood clot to develop, which led to a stroke.” Unfortunately, Sharetta-Nicole’s misery did not end there. With her mother having to raise the children alone, life was tough. The cycle of loss and grief continued in Sharetta-Nicole’s life with the deaths of a niece, who died in her sleep, and another niece and nephew who passed away in a house fire. Her mother and sister were kidnapped and ultimately her sister was raped and her mother was murdered. Later on, she lost a brother to AIDS. After going through stages of deep depression and even suicide attempts, Sharetta-Nicole was introduced to Jesus Christ at the age of 15. That one decision changed the entire trajectory of her life. Enduring what few can imagine, Sharetta-Nicole is quick to say that it was her faith that kept her going. “I know that God is in the midst of my testimony because He is the one that brought me through it all,” she says. “I tell my story because I see and feel the power behind it; I believe it’s a source of strength and healing to those who
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center ring have had similar experiences. I know there are many people who can relate to physical and emotional pain, hurt, frustrations, feelings of abandonment, fears and the stresses of life. But I also know that there are many that can relate to the joy and peace that God gives you in a time of great need.” Since that time, she has taken her gutwrenching testimony and poured it into her music. A songwriter, she released her first CD in 2010 called Level One: Jeremiah 29:11. The project was a Gospel infused style of modern music, diverse in its approach, featuring styles from Contemporary Christian Music to worship to Holy Hip Hop. Understanding that God is present even in the worst of circumstances, SharettaNicole took to the road to share her story and inspire others, especially young people. Now putting the finishing touches on her follow up CD, she’s thrilled about the next musical offering she plans to share with the world. The first single off “B.O.S.S.”, which stands for “Better Off Saving Souls,” is a fresh-sounding, in-yourface song. Inspired by the crucifixion of Christ, Sharetta-Nicole penned the song and says, “To me, a BOSS is someone who can endure and still come out on top,” she says. “That’s exactly what Jesus Christ did on the cross.” The bold track, combining pop, electronica, and rap, flaunts Sharetta-Nicole’s strong vocals. A versatile recording artist, the single “Holy,” shows off the praise and worship side of the artist.
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Her talents have not gone unnoticed. Clearly gifted in the ministry of music, Sharetta-Nicole is an Urban Inspiration Award Winner and a multiple nominee for Atlanta’s Hottest Gospel Award, the Independent Gospel Artist Alliance Award and the Rhythm of Gospel Award. Having opened up for Canton Jones, Rance Allen, Earnest Pugh and Martha Munizzi, she’s been blessed to share her journey and the love she has for God who brought her back from the depth of darkness. It’s a new day for the songstress. “I’m committed to serving the Lord through the life that I am living, through my very existence and through this ministry,” she shares. “God is doing great things in my life. This journey has not been easy but through it all, God has been by my side. I will forever give Him the praise.” Check out her music and more at Sharettanicole.com. Andrea R. Williams owns Tehillah Enterprises. Her writing has appeared in Charisma Magazine, Gospel Today, Gospelcity.com and others. She is a soughtafter biography writer, having penned for artists like Marvin Sapp (for his best-selling project “Thirsty”), Vickie Winans, Dr. Bobby Jones, DeWayne Woods, Jonathan Butler, Tramaine Hawkins, Joann Rosario and Trin-i-tee 5:7.