VBD Magazine – July 2023

VICTORIOUS By DESIGN

YOUR LITERARY WORLD

• EDITING

• PUBLISHING

• BOOK PROMOTION

• AUTHOR COACHING

• WRITING COURSES

• WRITING SEMINARS

• WRITING WORKSHOPS

• WRITING CONFERENCES

Victorious By Design (VBD) Magazine is a quarterly literary and empowerment haven for personal, professional, and organizational transformation. We feature inspirational authors, business leaders, industry experts, and other phenomenal individuals who are simply brimming with delight to pour into you.

We created VBD Magazine just for you. Our lifestyle magazine delivers actionable advice, strategies, teachable moments, and tools to light the path to your next level of unprecedented success. We do all this to inspire you to reach beyond your fears and walk in your God-given purpose so that you can live victoriously. We are your go-to literary and empowerment oasis and we are excited to be a part of your growth and success.

VBD Magazine is a publication of Victorious By Design (VBD), LLC. The content is published in good faith. The views expressed in the articles, editorials, and all other content, reflect the author’s opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or publisher. VBD does not endorse any organizations, programs, websites listed, advertisers, or the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers in this magazine.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ann Marie Bryan

MANAGING EDITOR

Paula Hamilton

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Beverlyn Johnson Wilks

FEATURES EDITOR

Icylin Morgan

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Dr. Henritta Stewart

FEATURE WRITERS

Sardia J. McGill-Jennings

Kerry-Ann McPherson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dr. Velma Bagby

W. Mason Dunn

Ramona Powell Dennis

Pastor Danyelle Scroggins

FRONT COVER DESIGN

Brittany Rockwell

FROM THE DESK of Ann Marie

Bryan

Unleash Your Potential

Ienjoy encouraging and helping people transform their lives to walk in alignment with their purpose. That’s my passion! We can all win, so don’t back down until life gives up your dream. Think big, and bring those fresh, bold ideas to life.

Thank you for downloading, reading, and sharing our magazine. Our goal is to produce a publication that delivers actionable advice, strategies, teachable moments, and tools to help you succeed. Also, we want to create an environment where we support and celebrate each other. VBD Magazine is your go-to literary and empowerment oasis and we are absolutely delighted to be a part of your growth and success.

In this issue, explore articles that provide practical insights, ideas, solutions, tools, opportunities, and inspiration. Our cover story turns the spotlight on renowned board-certified internal medicine physician Ravi B. Patel who is offering tips to create and maintain a healthy lifestyle. To elevate your praise and worship, check out our Star Power List of 10 amazing gospel music artists to have on your playlist. Our feature on New York fashion designer Hope Wade will make you look at challenges differently. Then, rise and shine with the recently launched Declaration Alarm App from Sharon Dacres.

I look forward to your feedback on this issue. I pray the articles motivate you to unleash your potential. We have much more in store for you. Stay safe, stay connected, and as always, stay victorious.

Enjoy this issue.

Ann Marie Bryan Editor-in-Chief

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Meet Our

Dr. Velma Bagby is the CEO of Adoni Publishing LLC, an award-winning Author of Christian fiction/creative nonfiction, and co-author with her granddaughter on her children’s books. She is also a Christian dating-relationship coach, ordained minister (Th.D.), and speaker. God is at the forefront of everything she does in ministry, writing, and serving others.

W. MASON DUNN

Bestselling Author & Writing Consultant

Waletta Mason Dunn is an author, publisher, and writing consultant. She is the author of five Christian fiction novels and several journals. The breadth of her personal and professional experiences has contributed enormously to her fascinatingly inspirational writings. Waletta uses wisdom gained in the trenches as the foundation for her writing and consulting ministry.

Author, Teacher & Inspirational Speaker

Ramona Powell is an author, teacher, and inspirational speaker. She has used her upbringing in a Christian home to help channel her love for Christ and her desire to be an inspiration to all. "Sometimes we go through things to strengthen our faith and to be a testament to others." She loves sharing her life experiences to show that no matter what life throws at you, you can overcome and prevail.

DANYELLE SCROGGINS

Author & Senior Pastor of New Vessels Ministries

Danyelle Scroggins is the senior pastor of New Vessels Ministries North in Shreveport, Louisiana, and chaplain at Ochsner LSU Health Center, Louisiana’s trauma one health center. She owns Divinely Sown Publishing LLC, a company that specializes in the publication of books divinely sown into the hearts of writers. Danyelle is the author of both Christian fiction and non-fiction books.

RAMONA POWELL DENNIS

DR. VELMA BAGBY Award-Winning Author & Minister

DESIGN VICTORIOUS BY LITERARYDen

Stacy Hawkins Adams

CREATING BOOKS TO ENLIGHTEN, UPLIFT, AND INSPIRE

by Paula Hamilton

With a gift for weaving engaging fiction and nonfiction books that help readers grow confident in their own stories, Stacy Hawkins Adams has penned 11 books—nine women's fiction novels, a faith-based devotional book, and a compilation of original inspirational quotes. Stacy’s works of fiction feature themes relating to personal growth, matters of faith, friendship, and family.

VBD Magazine spoke with the multi-talented author and encourager about the inspiration behind her writing themes and her zeal for uplifting women.

HER JOURNEY

“I have been a lifelong writer. I started writing poetry and short stories at age five or six and never stopped. I decided in elementary school that I wanted to be an author.”

Before becoming an author, Stacy was a newspaper reporter for more than a decade. She went on to build a freelance writing career, through which she has penned articles and columns for local and national publications, such as the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Heart & Soul magazine, and Our Daily Bread. Stacy also served as a contributing blogger for the Huff Post for several years.

This dream of being an author was realized when Stacy released her first book Speak to My Heart in 2004. From there she was unstoppable.

WRITING PROCESS

“Because I also work full-time in strategic communications, when I’m working on a novel or other literary project, I typically write early in the mornings between 5:306:30 a.m., at least two or three times a week and a few hours on the weekends.”

LESSON FROM WATERCOLORED PEARLS

Though she has authored 11 books, her all-time personal favorite is her third novel, Watercolored Pearls. “I learned to care about my characters in a way

I had not before, and in the process it helped me realize how transformative fiction can be. It can help readers understand themselves and others in ways that lead to reconciliation, healing, growth, courage, and more. I hope that just like my main characters, Serena, Erika, and Tawana, readers will finish the book with the understanding and the hope that their stories are still unfolding and that they are pearls in progress.”

Watercolored Pearls has been a featured title in college coursework. Coming Home was a Target store “Recommended Read” and The Someday List was an Essence magazine bestseller. “Because this book was inspired by my desire to tell the story of women supporting women and, in the process, learning that everyone’s journey is special and different, and that it’s okay to have not yet arrived.”

MENTORING PROGRAM

“In 2015, I started the Focused Writers Membership Community online mentoring program as a way to offer informal and occasional support to budding writers and it is now a tribe of writers at all levels who encourage and support each other in bringing their projects to life.”

In February 2022, Stacy led this writers’ group through the process of writing and publishing an anthology of personal essays called On Womanhood

Stacy leads writing workshops and teaches at writers’ conferences in her local community and nationwide.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stacy Hawkins Adams is a multi-published author and freelance writer. Stacy is a graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond and is well-versed in diversity and inclusion issues because of her various professional and civic roles. A native of Arkansas, she is a longtime resident of Richmond, Virginia, and a longtime community volunteer in the Richmond region, leading to recognition as a YWCA of Richmond “Outstanding Woman of the Year” and a Style Weekly magazine Top 40 honoree.

Stacy is the recent recipient of the 2021 Motivational Author of the Year award from the National Black Book Festival. She was aslo honored with a 2021 non-member Central Virginia Communications & Leadership Award from Toastmasters International.

Stacy currently maintains a blog called Life Untapped, through which she encourages women to own their relevance, and she infuses insight from her graduate studies in women’s leadership into speeches and keynote messages for corporate, civic, and faith-based audiences.

A MILLION LITTLE CHOICES by Tamera Alexander

USA Today bestselling author Tamera Alexander is one of today’s most popular writers of inspirational historical romance. Her novels continue to garner reader loyalty around the world, with her most recent, Colors of Truth, hitting the Netherlands bestsellers list right out of the gate.

A Christy Award Hall of Fame author, Tamera seeks to draw closer to Christ through her writing and is thrilled when readers share that, through reading one of her novels, they’ve taken steps closer to Him as well. Tamera lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, not far from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for many of her critically acclaimed novels.

Tamera novels have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal and regularly appear on the best-seller lists—including ECPA Bestsellers, the #1 CBA Bestseller spot for historical fiction, and #1 Amazon Bestsellers in Historical Christian Fiction.

The celebrated author garnered four Christy Awards and was inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame in 2020, which is the highest honor awarded Christian fiction. Tamera is a two-time recipient of the coveted Carol Award bestowed by American Christian Fiction Writers, a national organization dedicated to equipping writers with a Christian worldview. She's also a two-time winner (and six-time finalist) of the RITA Award—the top award in the romance genre awarded by Romance Writers of America.

Tamera’s upcoming novel A Million Little Choices will be released on November 7, 2023. “A Million Little Choices is my first contemporary novel,” says Tamera, “but never fear, you know my love of history so there’s a historical thread woven through it, too. And we’ve got some really fun things planned for the launch.”

A Million Little Choices is a southern historical fiction novel that includes a dual-timeline plot, thought-provoking treatment of the themes of difficult relationships, infidelity, forgiveness, and trust, and discussion questions. You’re all set for book club!

LOVE SOMEBODY LIKE YOU by Carolyn Miller

Carolyn Miller is a bestselling Australian author of historical and contemporary romance. A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her Regency novels include the nine books of the Regency Brides series and the Regency Wallflowers series. Her contemporary novels include those in the Independence Islands series and the Original Six hockey romance series.

Her stories have been described by Publishers Weekly as “a winsome exploration

of life, love and faith” and witty “with snappy repartee that rockets off the page” (Library Journal). Readers enjoy these books that are humorous yet also deal with real issues, such as dealing with forgiveness, the nature of really loving versus ‘true love’, and other challenges. Her novels can be considered inspirational, and may appeal to readers of Christian fiction, who want stories of hope and redemption - with a twist of Aussie humor.

“My inspiration to write comes from many things such as the little less-explored pockets of history, how people meet, how relationships are sustained through tragedy and trials,” says Carolyn. “However, as a Christian who writes, I’m inspired most of all by the God-truths I’ve learned along

the way. I love incorporating that hope and aspects of real love into my stories.”

NEW RELEASE

In June 2023, Carolyn released Love Somebody Like You , a contemporary Christian romance, which is Book 5 in the Trinity Lakes Romance series. “This multi author series has been a fun project and is set in the fictional small town of Trinity Lakes in east Washington state, where I visited back in 2019.”

THE BLURB

For Lexi Franklin, returning to Trinity Lakes feels a little like running home with her tail between her legs.

But what's a girl to do, when her life has been turned upside down on the other side of the world? She needs a place to regain hope and healing - just didn't count on meeting a cowboy whose own battered heart might need nursing back to health too.

Jackson Reilly has his own set of troubles, between caring for his ranch, his mom, and the black hole of finances. So when a pretty redhead with a sassy tongue offers some distraction - and a potential solution to one of his most pressing concerns - he's not going to say no.

But as they spend time together, questions soon rise about their future, and whether faith can truly win over fears. Will Jackson be able to save his ranch, and his hopes and heart, before Lexi returns to Australia?

Traci Wooden-Carlisle

WRITING CHRISTIAN FICTION THAT SPEAKS TO THE SOUL

by Dr. Henritta Stewart

“My absolute favorite message to relay to readers is that God’s love is ever abounding, and He will see them through situations they can hardly imagine surviving with a sound mind,” says Traci Wooden-Carlisle.

The acclaimed author enjoys creating thought-provoking stories that evoke emotions. “My love for God is a gift I treasure and wish to continually share with everyone. I’m a child of God, a lover of souls, and a passionate seeker of the beauty God sees in each one of His creations. As a writer of Christian women’s fiction, romance, and suspense books, I strive to express God’s message as clearly as possible through the lives of my characters and the situations they go through.”

To date, Traci has written fifteen books, spanning genres such as Christian Contemporary Fiction, Christian Women's Fiction, Christian Romantic Suspense, Speculative Christian Fiction and Religious and Inspirational Poetry. Most of Traci’s books deal with sensitive issues such as abortion, masturbation, preachers leading double lives, and families struggling with forgiveness.

Traci lives in San Diego, California, with her husband, David. When she is not writing, you’ll find Traci building her jewelry making business, traveling, or helping others to fulfill their publishing dreams. The award-winning author took time to speak with VBD Magazine about her entrepreneurial ventures, literary journey, and the rewarding aspects of writing.

THE CALL TO WRITE

“I was six years old when my eyes became myopic. I had been warned many times not to sit close to the television so when I started having trouble seeing far away, I hid it. I memorized things that were far after squinting hard and pretended to be bored at other times. It didn’t take long before I started struggling academically.

“Thinking I was having learning challenges, my parents enrolled me in an afterschool reading program where I excelled because I could see the information up-close. Eventually, after two years, I was taken to the ophthalmologist and by then I was reading at a 9th grade level. I had a voracious appetite for reading.

“I started writing at the age of eight. When I was grounded and wasn’t allowed to

visit the library, I would write, but mostly poetry with a few short stories mixed in. Writing became a passion, then a hobby, and finally a rare treat as my life got more hectic. During my college years, I pursued a degree in journalism because I was told that journalism was a profession and creative writing was not.”

THE SET UP

Almost twenty years later, after a short career in journalism as a graphic artist and an office manager, Traci began to serve as a secretary at her church. The desire to do something more for God would not let her go. “As much as I love God, love being used by Him and enjoyed serving His people, I had a burning desire for something more from Him—something that is just my own. I prayed about that and a few months later I wrote the words, ‘It all started with one lone tear.’

“I began writing a story and it was beautiful. Later the Lord impressed upon my heart that the book I was writing would be for others. It took a few months for me to be obedient and continue writing. Moving forward, I hoped that a publisher would pick up my work. Thankfully, that occurred. A small publishing house that published my boss’s book reviewed the first few chapters of my manuscript and loved it. After that, I finished my first novel, My Beauty For Your Ashes, and handed it over to be published.”

MY BEAUTY FOR YOUR ASHES

My Beauty for Your Ashes is the first book in the Promises to Zion series. It surrounds four strangers whose lives end up merging due to a secret that begins to unravel after a near fatal accident. The series has since evolved into five books, with a sixth book on the way.

“The series has been healing and ministering to me even as the books minister to readers. I draw readers into the lives of the characters and share messages of God’s love, faithfulness, and peace.

“As I write the sixth installment in the Promises to Zion series, I am learning to write through my emotions. Some of the subject matter is especially intense and the only way I can successfully confront some

of the topics is with God’s help and lots of research. I have learned that if I write as if I am telling myself a story instead of writing it for others, it is more authentic, and the characters are more complex because I like getting to know my characters intensely.”

GROWING PAINS

After publishing My Beauty for Your Ashes, Traci had to figure out how to market her books. As expected, she performed several Google searches and while she gained certain insights, she realized that she did not fully know her target audience.

“It took seven books and seven years of research, plotting, winning, and failing before I had a successful formula from writing to launching, and that gave me the freedom to write full-time. This formula includes implementing the right book launch plan over a few months using beta readers, review teams, newsletter subscribers, free group promotions, paid promotions, and ads, which led to the book sale numbers I wished for earlier in my writing journey.”

TAWCARLISLE PUBLISHING

In 2021, with the encouragement of her husband, Traci established TAWCarlisle Publishing which offers publishing services, ghostwriting services, marketing services, and author branding through a team of professionals.

“I am excited about this phase even as I continue to write. The business aspect is

hectic, but the connections I have made with editors, book cover designers, and promoters, I wouldn’t trade for anything.”

REWARDING ASPECTS

“There are several rewarding aspects in the creative process. I enjoy being used to share inspiration, love, and perspectives that I believe heal and give readers options for their own lives. Another rewarding moment would be after my books are published and readers reach out to express how they were touched by a particular storyline or character.

“As a publisher, I love helping my clients create the books of their dreams. I have enjoyed seeing the look on authors’ faces when they hold their book in their hand for the first time. It has come full circle in my writing career because now I don’t just write or publish for myself, I write and publish for others.”

Darliss Bachelor

WEAVING RIVETING STORIES OF FAMILY, FAITH, AND ROMANCE

by Paula Hamilton

Apassionate writer, Darliss Bachelor desires to write stories of fiction that have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of her readers. Armed with her love for God and her creative ability, Darliss uses her vivid imagination to create stories that fuse faith, real-life events, and romance to bring a fresh perspective to readers.

It was on a white sand beach in Cozumel, Mexico, that Darliss received the call to write. Ten years later, her first book Secrets was born, and since then, her fingers have not stopped blazing across the keyboard. Darliss’ dynamic voice leaps off the pages of her bestselling books, including Hell is a Skyscraper: A Trio of Novelettes, Something Else to Want, The Make-Believe Wives, The Make-Believe Family, Edgar’s Embrace and What is God’s Name?

Darliss is walking in the footsteps of Helen Buckner, her grandmother who was a Christian playwright. When she’s not deep in her latest story, Darliss loves spending time with Greg, her husband of over thirty years, her son Brandon and adorable grandsons, Bentley and Nikolas. For relaxation, she loves reading good books, cruising, enjoying Detroit Pistons basketball, and binge-watching television court shows.

VBD Magazine is pleased to feature Darliss whose prolific pen breathes fire into stories to provide empowerment for Christian fiction readers.

A PURPOSE FULFILLED

“I acknowledged the call of God to write; but, before I even knew there was a call, I began receiving ‘divine downloads’ of poems, short essays, even a dream that took place over a few nights. The idea for my first book, Secrets, came as one of those ‘downloads’ while on a cruise vacation. It was at this point that the call became obvious.”

Darliss has published seven books in women’s and Christian fiction genres. “I believe I will have done my job if it is said, ‘That book Darliss Batchelor wrote changed my life.’ Yes, I will have done my job if that’s the case.”

WRITING TECHNIQUE

“My writing technique can best be described as unrestricted. I’m a mixture of a plotter and a pantser. I may outline a little but mostly I write as it comes to me. Rarely do I write linearly. Instead, I see scenes in random order. When I get the idea for a book, I generally see a few scenes in my mind, a character speaks to me, the title for the book comes to me, etc. I get those details down and I wait for more. While I’m writing, I often feel a yearning to take a story to an unexpected place. I sometimes struggle in those instances, but I’ll eventually give in, follow it, and see where it goes. Those have been some of my best decisions.”

WHAT IS GOD’S NAME?

The inspiration behind Darliss’ stories comes from many sources. Her book What Is God’s Name? was inspired by a commercial.

“I saw a commercial related to a TV series about a secret society. Every time I saw the commercial, it grabbed my attention. The idea for What is God’s Name formed from there. Each of my books has a teaching moment, and this one did not disappoint. I learned that sometimes you must follow your instincts and not be afraid to blaze a new trail for yourself and your readers. I want my readers to know that no matter how tough life gets, God does indeed love us, and He is always with us.”

THE BLURB

Seventeen-year-old Neveah Miller has everything a girl could want: a loving mother, good friends and a bright future. Yet there’s one thing she’s missing… a father. When her mother marries a wonderful man, Neveah is excited to finally have the missing piece and she couldn’t have dreamed of a better father figure. However, her dreams are shattered, and Neveah finds herself living a nightmare.

Art Gean can’t believe it when he finally meets the woman whose face appears in his dreams nightly. Knowing the purpose for which God sent her, Art goes about fulfilling his God-given assignment. However, breaking through the wall Neveah has

erected around her heart makes fulfilling that purpose difficult.

Will Art be able to get through or will Neveah miss out on all that God has in store for her?

LESSONS LEARNED FROM WRITING

“I think one of the most important lessons is to fend off ‘comparisonitis.’ Comparing yourself to others doesn’t benefit anyone. Honestly, we usually base this on social media posts that may not be completely true.

“I want to encourage new writers to be bold, never give up, and always follow your heart. Recognize that we all have our own path, each with its own twists and turns. So, follow your path and you’ll experience your own mark of success. There will be challenges but that is a part of the process.

“Lastly, value and celebrate every victory whether it’s the completion of a first draft or meeting a writing goal for the week.”

UPCOMING PROJECTS

In November 2019, Darliss published Edgar's Embrace and What is God’s Name, her latest releases. She is now toying with two story lines. One is entitled The

You I Never Knew and the other is The Make-Believe Couple. The Make-Believe Couple would be part three of the Make-Believe series.

“My writing hasn’t been flowing since the loss of my father. Also, I’m helping to deal with health challenges in my family. Nevertheless, writing is still a big part of my life, so I write whenever I get the opportunity.

“Recently though, I have been feeling a nudge to use my writing gift in a different way. I’m not sure if I’ll write a play or a short film or something else. I’m exploring the possibilities at this point.”

ROOM FOR LOVE

A BREATHTAKING CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE FROM Marguerite Martin Gray

by Beverlyn Johnson Wilks

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close , Surround Me, Bring Me Near, Draw Me to Your Side, and Wait for Me-- Revolutionary Faith Series. Also, she is the author of Labor of Love (2022) and Promise of Purity (2023) in the Gardens in Time Series. She enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Marguerite is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Abilene Writers Guild, Daughters of the American Revolution, South Carolina Historical Society, Preservation Society of Charleston, and ACFW Louisiana. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband, rescue cats, and dog.

“After seven novels, I have noticed I have a consistent writing process. My main genre is historical fiction, though with Room for Love I ventured into contemporary fiction. With anything I write, I begin with thorough research for three or four months. I consult multiple resources such as personal purchases and libraries. But I do prefer owning the book to use for future research. I highlight, take notes, and keep a binder for each project.”

“Once the research is complete (is it ever really completed?), I sketch my characters and outline the novel into scenes and chapters. I give myself a few weeks as ideas converge. Then, depending on the length of the work, I write with pen and paper. I feel comfortable producing 30,000 words a month with 50,000 as the maximum. So, a novella can be completed (first draft) in a month. My 90,000-word

novels take three months to write. The arduous task of editing is next before I send it to my editor and beta readers. The process is long, but the journey is inspiring, and the result is awesome, a novel or novella.”

ROOM FOR LOVE

Marguerite’s latest book, Room for Love, a contemporary romance novel and part of the Suamalie Island Series, will be released on July 25, 2023.

THE BLURB

God gave her peace then; maybe he will do it again.

When Amy Lee’s son heads off to college, the bed and breakfast owner finds life even lonelier and emptier than she had after losing her husband. She needs something to occupy her mind and heart while she reinvents her life again. What more could she ask for than an after-school program for local children and a renewed interest in painting?

Then the arrival of a professor of archeology shakes her world and makes her yearn for the way things were only a few short months ago. Still grieving the loss of his beloved wife and ignoring the warnings and protests of his grown children, Professor Walker Standish escapes on a six-month sabbatical. His heart, barely beating these past months, jerks to life again when he finds more than a room at a B & B.

The Goodness Of God

by W. Mason Dunn

At any given time, I can be found with a pair of air pods in my ears. Streaming from the pods is the sound of Gospel music. The rhythmic sounds of CeCe Winans, Israel Houghton, Yolanda Adam, or Fred Hammond crooning in my ear remind me of the goodness of God.

The sound of Gospel music can be traced to the 17th century. Its purpose is to give praise, honor, and thanks to God. It also motivates, strengthens, and stimulates. The distinct sound of its lamenting vocals and syncopated rhythms has made an emotional impact on listeners across various denominations. It can serve as a conduit to unfold and develop spiritual relationships.

When I’m writing, the songs transport me to the times when God has shown Himself to me. The lyrics remind me that what God has done in the past, He can do in the present and the future. I use those memories to make a spiritual connection with my writing.

Gospel artists use their life experiences to connect others to Christ. The lyrics speak of God’s goodness and faithfulness. As Christian writers, we can employ the same strategy in our art form. Aren’t we also recognizing, confessing, and sharing the goodness of God?

For as long as I can remember, Gospel music has been a part of my life. A lot of my story ideas derive from my own life experiences and a lot of my most fond memories involve Gospel music. Just like writing, it is a creative expression. Sometimes, I listen to music and an entire scene plays in my head or I develop a plot that is appropriate for a story. Listening to Gospel music is one of the strategies I use to evoke emotion in my writing.

The next time you are experiencing writer’s block, put on some Gospel music. It will help you reflect on the goodness of God in your life and help others feel a connection to the Heavenly Father through your writing.

Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash

Gomer Joseph

MINISTERING THROUGH WRITING

by Icylin Morgan

Anative of Spring Valley, New York, Gomer Joseph writes stories to glorify God and minister to his readers. He is the author of Never Gonna Be the Same , What’s the Real Meaning of Love , You Gotta Do Right, Be Ready Always, the Julliete Clark series, and the Never As It Seems series. In addition to being a writer and publisher, Gomer’s YouTube Channel –

The Biblical Education of Gomer Joseph – covers true crime cases.

He offers some of his work at no cost on Wattpad, including his play, What Never Changes, and his nonfiction story, It Is Well with My Soul: The Horatio G. Spafford Story VBD Magazine sat down with the busy author to discuss his literary work and future projects.

VBD: What inspires you to write?

GOMER: I truly love writing about the human experience and how we as humans react to certain challenges and trials that we face throughout our lives.

VBD: What genre do you write about and how many books have you published?

GOMER: Currently I write Christian Suspense. When I started my writing journey, I wrote Inspirational Christian Fiction. The Juliette Clark teen sleuth series was written in the Inspirational Christian fiction genre. Since 2016, I have written 12 books, 7 are from the Never As It Seem Series. I loved writing that series because there were a lot of moving parts, and it was incredible to watch the characters evolve.

VBD: What is the purpose of your writing?

GOMER: I want to consistently make my readers aware that though we live in a dark world, we are not alone. There is a God who loves us and cares about us no matter what problems we face –– to remind them that it is perfectly okay to rely on those who God has placed in our lives to help us through challenging times. I would like my legacy as a writer to be someone who caught readers off guard with crazy twists and turns. In addition, I would also like to be remembered as someone whose main goal was to glorify God in my writings and to point readers towards Him.

VBD: Tell us a little about your writing process.

GOMER: When I write a book, I do character sketches first –– I want the characters to drive the story. I dig deep into their background, their goals, and what drives them. Next, I outline my story ideas, then build on the framework of each chapter. Once that is done, I write the manuscript from that guide.

VBD: What inspired Never As It Seems?

GOMER: I had a burning desire to work on stories with outrageous characters and intense situations. I truly wanted to offer drama with high stakes for my readers.

A murdered doctor. An angry ex-wife. A defense attorney must uncover the truth…

Defense Attorney Kevin Auguste has devoted his life to the pursuit of justice. An immigrant from Haiti, he has seen first-hand the corrupting influence of money and power. Now he fights to be a force for good in his community, and to ensure his children grow up in a better world than the one he left behind.

But when late night police sirens disturb his sleepy neighborhood, Kevin is shocked to discover that his neighbor and client, Dr. Delroy Davidson, has been murdered. And Delroy's ex-wife has come to town demanding her share of the inheritance...

When a reading of Delroy's will reveal that another woman will receive half his wealth, Kevin finds himself drawn into a deadly dispute that threatens both him and his family. Torn between protecting his loved ones and revealing the truth, Kevin must outwit mafia thugs, scheming widows, and vindictive families.

But can Delroy's killer be forced out of hiding before he becomes the next victim.

VBD: What did you learn from writing this book?

GOMER: I learned patience. This book contains a lot of characters and a lot of insane situations. My aim is to provide the reader with a book worth reading, so it takes a lot of time and consideration.

VBD: What message do you hope readers take away after reading this book?

GOMER: Other than taking readers on a wild ride, I also want them to remember 2 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.”

VBD: Do you prefer self-publishing or traditional publishing?

GOMER: Self-publishing is a better option for me. I don’t do well with deadlines, and I don’t enjoy being told how many books I'm allowed to publish in a year. I prefer to publish my books on my timing.

VBD: What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

GOMER: I found that writing descriptions in the books has been the most difficult. It takes a lot of time, discipline, and patience. Sometimes, it can be a bit frustrating because I want to ensure the reader can visualize the scenes well while reading.

VBD: What's next for you?

GOMER: I have a very different venture in mind, and I am very excited about it. I will be working on a YouTube animated soap opera In Times Like These. I can’t go into too many details yet. Right now, all I can say is that it will offer the sort of drama and suspense that you expect from Never As It Seems, but it will give you a deeper look into the lives of these new characters.

WRITING STORIES FROM THE HEART

Sheena Binkley

AWARD-WINNING ROMANCE AUTHOR

by Paula Hamilton

At the age of nine while completing her first story for a school assignment, Sheena Binkley discovered her love for storytelling. Since then, she has composed several short stories and numerous sagas that are not only engaging, but also simply entertaining. Sheena is also a freelance writer, penning articles on various topics including education and entertainment. Her bestselling novels include In Love With My Best Friend, Love Unbroken, Something Just Ain't Right, and The Love Chronicles

Currently, Sheena resides in Houston, Texas, with her husband and son. Besides writing, she loves reading, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.

VBD Magazine had the opportunity to talk with Sheena about her amazing author life and her strategies for survival in tough times.

A DREAM CONCEIVED

“Ever since writing that first story at nine, I have written novels as a hobby to unwind,” Sheena reveals. “I did not think I would ever turn my hobby into a career; but when my mother passed away in 2011, something in me stirred and I knew I wanted to see one of my dreams become a reality. She was one of my biggest supporters, and she always told me to strive for my dreams, so in her honor, I decided to pursue my dream of writing.”

In 2013, Sheena published her first book, In Love With My Best Friend At the time, she was only planning on publishing that one book, but ten years later, and with over 50 books, she has become a bestselling author.

In 2017, she was named one of Urban Book Authors and Writers of America (UBAWA’s) Top 100 Authors, “which was a huge honor. That was something I wasn’t expecting, but it showed that people were reading my stories, so that was a wonderful experience for me.”

WRITING STRATEGY

“Usually, I start with research and plotting. I try to set aside a lot of time to write the

story but balancing a full-time job and my family does affect me at times. Though I love writing, there are times when I have had to take a break because of the stress associated with my full-time job. With this break, I reflect, recharge, and refocus on my writing.”

THE LOVE WE HAVE

The Love We Have is book 1 in the Forever Love series, a spin-off from The Love Chronicles series. This novel dives into the story of the friends of the main characters in The Love Chronicles series.

“Writing this book opened my eyes to a lot of things. I learned that there are a lot of elements that go into making a marriage work––it takes patience, understanding, and an unceasing renewed love for each other. That is what Regina and Damien had to realize when dealing with their problems. It was also something I had to learn in my marriage, and I think that is what transpired in the story with Regina and Damien.

“My hope is that readers will recognize that unconditional love can conquer all. Despite the issues a couple may face, if

they have unrequited love for each other, they can work them out. I want them to also understand that growth and maturity as individuals and as a couple can help to alleviate many marital issues.”

THE BLURB

Regina and Damien Campbell are enjoying their lives as newlyweds. Not only are they soaring in their careers, but they have just purchased a brand-new home. Nothing could stop them from living blissfully… that was until Damien’s parents unexpectedly moved into their home.

Regina and Mr. and Mrs. Campbell haven’t always had the best relationship, considering the two feel Regina and Damien married too young. Regina feels they are still babying Damien, which causes a rift in her marriage to Damien. When the two begin to treat Regina and Damien’s house as their own, it sends Regina over the edge and quite possibly into someone she hasn’t encountered in years.

With the constant bickering over Damien’s parents, Regina and Damien’s marriage will be tested to see if their love will

stand the issues they face. But will they both realize them before it’s too late?

BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL WRITING CAREER

“I believe that to build a successful writing career, hard work, determination, and patience are essential. Anyone can publish a story, but there is a lot more work to make it successful–– from excellent editing to marketing–– an author must get their stories out to the public.”

THRIVING IN TOUGH TIMES

“My strength comes from prayer and faith. This is something I practice both personally and professionally—I simply give it to God. My favorite bible verse is Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ God has gotten me through so much in my life, so I know whatever I’m facing, God will be with me every step of the way.”

PROSPECTS

In the next few months, Sheena plans to release two books from a previously released series and develop a new spinoff book from another series.

“My purpose for writing is to entertain and I aspire to be named among the bestselling authors. I would also love to be on the New York Times Bestsellers’ list and to have one of my books turned into a screenplay. So far, my writing journey has been irregular, but I know there is still a lot that I want to accomplish. With hard work, faith, and lots of prayer, I know I will accomplish my aspirations.”

D.A. Bourne

CHRISTIAN RAPPER TURNED CHRISTIAN FICTION AUTHOR

by Icylin

Morgan

“If I write books that don’t glorify God or give readers a measure of hope, then I am wasting an opportunity to reach readers whom I will never meet in my lifetime.” ~ D.A. Bourne

Born in Steinbach, Manitoba, D.A. Bourne lived in various locations throughout Canada and The Bahamas before settling in Brampton, Ontario, where he now resides with his wife and four children. A former rapper whose desire is to bring life and integrity to urban fiction, D.A. moved from the spoken to the written word, entered the publishing world and has not stopped writing since then, releasing entertaining and inspiring novels such as The Phat Five series and the No More Hate series.

D.A. holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from the University of Windsor. Here is what VBD Magazine learned about the rapper turned author.

THE DAWNING

“I began my writing career when I published my first novel Crazy Drama in 2007. At that time, I knew very little about self-publishing and I certainly did not have the author community support back then as I do now. I published my second novel Unshaken in 2012 then I took a long hiatus from writing any novels. I needed a fresh start, so in 2019, I re-branded Crazy Drama into The Phat Five series. I currently have eight novels on Amazon, and I am still waiting for my breakout novel to happen!”

WRITING FOR HIS GLORY

“If I write books that don’t glorify God or give readers a measure of hope, then I am wasting an opportunity to reach readers whom I will never meet in my lifetime.”

“Each time I watch a good TV series or film that’s character-driven, a storyline begins to develop in my head. Once I have a story whirling in my head, I then seek to absorb the storyline into a godly-inspired novel. Some critics may say it should be the other way around, but I believe that not everyone is called to be preachers. Jesus was a storyteller as well. I love writing stories with a message of hope.”

WRITING PROCESS

“Once I have the story that I want to write, I put together an outline of how I would like the story to flow; then, I start

to write. Outlines have really helped me throughout my writing journey. I wish that I could tell you that I write 1-2 hours daily, but that is never usually the situation. I work full-time 5-6 days weekly, plus my beautiful wife and four great kids keep me busy from sunrise to the day's end. If I can squeeze in 30 minutes of writing daily, I am grateful. I always pray that my readers give me a lot of grace when waiting on another book.

“One of my greatest dreams would be to see my novels become movies or TV series, because I know that my stories would be able to impact many people that are not literary enthusiasts.”

LOVE, FAITH & HIP HOP

“I was a Christian rapper for many years, but I never made an album. I recall vividly, an incident in the mid-90s when a world-renowned singer visited the church I attended and called Christian rap ‘devil’s music,’ not knowing that I was a rapper. I remember the embarrassment I felt when the members were gawking at me after his statement. I also recall the issues faced by other rappers during that period to get accepted in the church. This nostalgia led me to write a story filled with drama about the 1980s and 1990s.”

“One important fact I learned about myself while writing this book is that I have a problem writing a standalone novel and keeping it under 300 pages,” he chuckles reminiscently. “The story was so detailed that I had to make it a 2-part series.”

D.A. wanted to remind readers that they should not get so caught up in traditional

ways so much so that they overlook the vision or plans that God has for their life; and to never let tradition prevent them from seeing the gifts of their loved ones.

THE BLURB

It was all a dream.

L.A. Davis used to read hip-hop magazines. Now he wants to bring hip-hop into the church scene...

His love interest, Deanna, fully supports him. So do L.A’s boys, Chazz and V. But there are two forces holding back his goals –– L.A’s father, who is also his pastor, and Eugene, the music minister who wants to destroy his character.

In this re-release by D.A. Bourne, a vision is released, destiny is challenged, and church tradition is exposed as a young man explores the chemistry of LOVE, FAITH & HIP-HOP.

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING AUTHORS

“An author's life is a marathon, not a sprint and gaining readers takes time, patience, and much work. It can be a roller coaster ride; so, always, be thankful for the people God places in your life who supports you on your journey. It is important to never assume that friends and family will buy your book, read it, or post reviews. Lastly, trust God and enjoy the journey!”

FUTURE PLANS

"I am working on a spin-off from my No More Hate series, then concluding The Phat Five series."

SHADOW DANCING

Jennifer

Sienes

WEAVES A SPELLBINDING TALE OF FAITH AND LOVE IN NEW CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN ROMANCE

by Paula Hamilton

California born and raised, she recently took a step of faith with her real-life hero and relocated to Tennessee.

MINISTERING THROUGH WRITING

“Writing for me has been a process of growing both in the craft and in my character. When I was young, I had visions of grandeur—the next Danielle Steele or Nora Roberts. It was as much about fame and fortune as it was the love of stories. Daydreams without any basis in reality—or actual butt-in-the-chair work. Then I grew up.

“It wasn’t until I went through a long season of loss, grief, and pain that I realized my purpose was much bigger than myself. In fact, it wasn’t about me at all. God blessed me with the ability, opportunity, and support to write stories that would draw readers closer to Him while bringing them hope and inspiration. What started as visions of grandeur became a fulfilling ministry fueled by God’s Spirit and a whole lot of work.”

SHADOW DANCING

Jennifer’s latest novel, Shadow Dancing, Book 2 of 2 in the Bedford County Series, is an inspirational contemporary fiction novel dealing with loss, grief, and pain.

Jennifer Sienes loves Jesus, romance, and writing—and puts it altogether in inspirational contemporary fiction. Although fiction writing is her real love, she’s had several non-fiction pieces published in anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her daughter’s Traumatic

Brain Injury (TBI) and brother’s suicide inspired two of her three novels.

Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education, but discovered life-experience is the best teacher. She has two grown children and one very spoiled Maltese.

Christian Romance FROM CHRISTY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR TONI SHILOH

A Hollywood hair stylist who prefers staying out of the spotlight. The silver screen’s latest heartthrob who steals the limelight everywhere he goes. And a fake relationship destined to go o script.

SCAN TO PREORDER FOR 40% OFF + FREE SHIPPING

Available wherever books are sold.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

THE LOVE SCRIPT

by Toni Shiloh

A HOLLYWOOD HAIR STYLIST.

Nevaeh Richards loves making those in the spotlight shine but prefers the anonymity of staying behind her stylist chair, where no one notices her. But when a photo of Nevaeh and Hollywood A-lister Lamont Booker goes viral for all the wrong reasons, her quiet life becomes the number-one trending topic.

THE SILVER SCREEN'S LATEST HEARTTHROB.

Lamont Booker's bold faith has gained him a platform, and the authenticity of his faith is well known . . . until the tabloids cause the world to question everything he claims to be. With his reputation on the line, he finds himself hearing out his agent's push for a fake relationship--something he never thought he'd consider in a million years.

A LOVE THAT GOES OFF SCRIPT.

With their careers at risk, Nevaeh and Lamont have to convince the world that their scripted romance is more than just an act. But when fake seems to turn into something real, can Nevaeh trust her heart in a world where nothing is ever as it seems?

A LEADER IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Ravi B. Patel, MD

GUIDING OTHERS TO ACHIEVE LIFE-CHANGING RESULTS

by Sardia J. McGill-Jennings

Renowned board-certified internal medicine physician

Ravi B. Patel has become one of the most influential voices in healthcare with respect to practicing a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Dr. Patel studied at Ross University School of Medicine. He also completed his specialization in Geriatric Medicine in New York City, before moving back home to Dallas, Texas, in 2005.

Speaking exclusively with VBD Magazine, Dr. Patel shares the joys and challenges he faced in his medical career, the LivWell Method for patient care, his thoughts on telemedicine, and the adverse health event that jolted him. Throughout our interview, one thing remains consistent: the purpose-driven difference maker is turning his knowledge into unmatched insights, adapting to the unexpected, and leading change.

GOING THE DISTANCE

Dr. Patel grew up in East Texas where he lived with his parents and twin brothers. His parents ran a small motel and young Ravi and his two brothers assisted. It was during that time that he learned the value of hard work and that he enjoyed interacting with people. These same traits are evident in his life today.

While pursuing a bachelor’s degree in management information systems at the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Patel started volunteering in his junior year at an acute rehabilitation hospital. It was during this time that he discovered how much he enjoyed working with the patients. This was the experience that led him to pursue a career in medicine.

Since then, Dr. Patel has served on multiple hospital committees as well as operated as Chief of Staff for Global Rehab, an acute rehabilitation hospital, for two years. Currently, he practices both functional and traditional medicine in Dallas. Dr. Patel divides his time between his clinic as a functional medicine-minded practitioner and as a hospitalist in the hospital.

I GREW WEARY OF PATIENTS BEING READMITTED WITH THE SAME CORE ISSUES WITHIN A WEEK OR TWO AFTER BEING DISCHARGED, SO I DECIDED TO FIND A WAY TO EDUCATE AND HEAL AS MANY PEOPLE AS I COULD, BY APPLYING THE PRINCIPLES THAT SAVED MY LIFE

THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

“ I do not discount the wisdom or the benefits of the traditional medicine I learned in medical school,” says Dr. Patel “However, I believe that traditional medicine as a stand-alone approach is not the complete answer.”

There were two factors at work that caused Dr. Patel to move from exclusively practicing traditional medicine to a more multidisciplinary approach. The

Photo Credit: MGMarshall Photography

first factor was a personal health crisis. Before turning 40, he had an adverse health event that jolted him into a major lifestyle change.

“I was determined to improve my health, so I gave up caffeinated and energy drinks. I also significantly decreased my carbohydrate and processed food intake. Another step I took was to increase the intensity of my exercise routine at the gym. This was an eye-opener because I saw the positive impact of these lifestyle changes which resulted in me no longer needing medications.”

I AM A FIRM BELIEVER THAT A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO MEDICINE IS SUPERIOR TO THE EXCLUSIVE PRACTICE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE.

The second factor occurred in his professional life as a physician. Dr. Patel worked in an outpatient, volume based clinical setting as an internal physician. Later, he worked in a fast-paced hospital setting as a hospitalist for approximately twelve years, where he routinely treated patients with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, and other mental health issues.

“I grew weary of patients being readmitted with the same core issues within a week or two after being discharged, so I decided to find a way to educate and heal as many people as I could, by applying the principles that saved my life.”

Dr. Patel along with a few partners ventured out into using a more multidisciplinary approach to patient care when they opened a functional medicine clinic and gym. This allowed him to lead by example as he regularly exercised with his patients as a part of his strategy to motivate them to make the necessary lifestyle changes.

“I am a firm believer that a multidisciplinary approach to medicine is superior to the exclusive practice of traditional medicine.”

Dr. Patel enjoys engaging with his patients to educate, inspire, and instruct. “The big thing is to get my patients to do lifestyle modification and embrace the education that comes with it.”

THE LIVWELL METHOD

Dr. Patel strives to be a role model to his patients, emphasizing good health along with proper nutrition and fitness. “I want to improve my patients’ long-term quality of life by implementing lifestyle changes as opposed to just handing them a prescription. I encourage patients to embrace a more preventative lifestyle.”

This approach he calls the LivWell Method, which includes functional and preventative medicine. The LivWell Method has a wide array of treatment options—Andropause Treatment, Hormone Treatment, Hair Restoration, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy, and Thyroid Treatment.

Dr. Patel and his team “serve Dallas and the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex with health and wellness programs designed to help patients feel better, maintain health, prolong life, and combat aging.”

MESSAGE TO ASPIRING PHYSICIANS

When asked how he would advise young people who want to follow in his footsteps, Dr. Patel states, “This has been a long road for me. Take what you know, think out of the box, and incorporate all that you have been taught. Educate yourself on nutrition because you need to know this to help your patients. You can also get continuing medical education in this area.”

STAYING HEALTHY

Dr. Patel is a strong advocate of intermittent fasting. “Consistently, I eat within a six-hour window which allows for an eighteen-hour window fasting period. Doing this for two to three days gives the body the chance to recover and reduce inflammation.”

Central to his healing efforts is the recognition that an optimally functioning thyroid is key to a healthy lifestyle. Conversely, an unhealthy thyroid is the cause of many of the acute and chronic lifestyle diseases that currently plague our society.

“The thyroid gland can be considered the magnet for all our toxins. Think of your thyroid as a kind of magnet for all the things that are harmful to our bodies, like processed foods, heavy metals, pesticides, and plastic. Those things go straight to your thyroid, and it gets inflamed and is unable to produce the proper hormones that your body needs to maintain its metabolism. This throws off everything in your body and results in brain fog,

dementia, obesity, impaired cognition, irregular body temperature, heart disease, and osteoporosis, to name some of the illnesses. We must therefore protect this little organ.”

TELEMEDICINE

Dr. Patel acknowledges the increasing role that telemedicine plays in modern day practice. “I see patients in Montana, California, Houston, and many other cities. Even patients from Dallas, Fort Worth will sometimes choose a telephonic visit as opposed to driving 40 minutes for an in-person visit.”

FIT FOR LIFE

Dr. Patel’s outgoing personality is evident in his other areas of interest—soccer, kayaking, hiking, and traveling. He treasures time spent outdoors as a means of optimizing his mental and physical wellbeing. His incredible will power, determination to achieve goals, and complete confidence in his healing methods are demonstrated in his recent visit to Spain.

“I decided to go on a solo journey, the Camino de Santiago walk. I finished 115 km in 3 days with a 26-pound backpack, reaching elevations of over 7,500 feet.”

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Lately, Dr. Patel has struck a good balance between work, rest, and play. “I am aware of the role that quality sleep plays in my healing so I’m mindful and intentional about getting more sleep. I aim for 6 -7 hours versus 4 hours in the past.”

When feeling down and out or stressed, Dr. Patel tells us he deals with it by spending approximately 30 - 40 minutes working out in his backyard. He changes his routine and works out more frequently if the stress level is more intense. He has also limited the number of hospitals he works for, so that he will have more time with his family.

Dr. Patel enjoys his work and is extremely gratified by the improved health and lifestyles of his patients. With enthusiasm he mentions, “My most rewarding moments come when patients express to me how great they feel.”

MY MOST REWARDING MOMENTS COME WHEN PATIENTS EXPRESS TO ME HOW GREAT THEY FEEL.

10

AMAZING GOSPEL MUSIC ARTISTS To Have On Your PLAYLIST

VBD Magazine is honored to present 10 amazing gospel music artists to have on your playlist. These influential singers and songwriters have touched countless lives with their uplifting praise and worship and devotion to God. Their anointed voices, transformative music, and powerful ministries are making an unforgettable impact on the gospel music industry.

JR Money

ADAPTING TO THE UNEXPECTED AND OPERATING IN PURPOSE

by Dr. Henritta Stewart

With more than 30 years’ experience in the artistic environment, television, media, and film industry, JR MONEY has emerged as an Executive Producer, Director, and Producer of Film/Television and Music Videos, Event Producer, Actor, Sports Anchor, Image Consultant, Writer, Screenwriter, Composer, Model, Singer, and Television Presenter for Telemundo, one of the most important television networks in the Hispanic community worldwide. As of 2022, in obedience to God, JR paused working on certain aspects of his business to fulfill the mission that the Lord entrusted to him through music.

VBD Magazine is honored to inspire you with JR MONEY’s story—his ministries, entrepreneurial pursuits, upcoming projects, and advice to singers desiring to enter the Gospel music industry.

CREATING A NEW PATH

Angel Morales, better known in the artistic arena as JR MONEY, was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He began his professional career in the music industry in 1994 as an artist and composer for the True Funkalistic group. He signed a 5-year contract with the Record Label Musical Productions, where he recorded 2 albums and 4 music videos. He completed his contract with the label but his bad experiences in the industry led him to enter what he termed “the world of the streets.” After getting off the streets, he took on new challenges in his career and dedicated himself to operating as an Event Producer and Image Consultant for many renowned artists and people in Puerto Rico. In 2005, he resumed his artistic career, but this time as JR MONEY.

CREATING A STAGE NAME

JR MONEY is the youngest in his household, hence Junior, which is abbreviated JR. Coming from a low-income family, initially his main mission in life was to go after “money,” since he understood that money, fame, and power gave him true happiness. In light of the foregoing, his stage name JR MONEY was created.

After gaining some amount of wealth, JR realized that true happiness is not found

in riches because his heart was still empty. It was not until he had an encounter with the Lord that he understood that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

“He is the only one who gives you true peace, joy, freedom and of course happiness that every human being seeks, because it does not lie in the material but in the spiritual,” says JR. “You can have all the material luxuries, but if you don't have the Lord in your life, you remain the same poor person as always and a slave to the system.”

KEEPING HIS STAGE NAME

After recognizing Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, JR wanted to change his pseudonym to start from scratch with the music ministry. He felt that the Lord gave him Sellados por Dios (Sealed by God) as the name for the music ministry.

“The music ministry would include ministerial movement that exalts the greatness of being sealed with the Holy Spirit by

believing in the gospel and in Jesus Christ as our only savior. That’s why I asked the Lord to change my stage name. I waited and even made a list of stage names. After a long while, I received a revelation, where the Lord told me that he had not chosen the name JR MONEY for me, but I had to remain with the name, since it is a part of my testimony.

“I understand that a name does not define you as a person, but it is the conviction and direct relationship you have with the Father that makes you a Christian. The scripture said that it’s ‘by their fruits you will know them.’ A part of my assignment is to be the living example that ‘Money’ is not everything in life.”

STAYING THE COURSE

In 2007, JR was given the opportunity to go to Colombia for a promotional tour. Initially, he left home for only 2 weeks but ended up staying in Colombia for 3 months because of the success he was experiencing.

“It so happens that as I held many events in different cities in Colombia, I was attracting the attention of important executives from the music industry, who were already monitoring my work. At one of the events, I was approached by two A&Rs (artists & repertoire) who offered to take my career to the next level. I rejected the offer because it was opposed to my principles and values. After refusing that offer, they told me that my career was not going to be the same. From then on, many doors began to close for me professionally. I always jokingly claim that I’m a ‘shooting star’ in the music industry.”

BREAKING INTO THE FILM INDUSTRY

In 2009, JR decided to produce his first film 4 Estrella, since he did not wish to pursue his musical career at that time. He decided to use some of the experiences in his past in this movie, where he would operate as the Executive Producer, Director, and Actor. In this film, JR exposed the dangers of following the desires of the flesh and the consequences.

“The enemy does not force you, but rather tempts you with what you like the most. So do not exchange the eternal for banal and temporary things; it’s not worth it.

“My feature films 4 Estrella and 4 Estrella 2 have been seen by more than 10 million people, in the cinemas in Puerto Rico and the United States, as well as people watching on DVDs and those who are consuming content through devices connected to the internet.”

On JR’s YouTube channel, 4 Estrella has over 3.2 million views and the sequel 4 Estrella 2 has more than 1.7 million views. 4 Estrella was censored by YouTube for those under 18 years of age, due to its strong explicit content.

“Now that I’m at His feet, I can say that the peace, happiness and love that I enjoy as a result of my obedience to the Lord, the fame, money, and the world will never be able to give it to me with all its earthly pleasures.”

FROM MOVIES TO CHRISTIAN MUSIC

With the messages embodied in his films impacting the lives of millions of people, JR decided to continue spreading the word of God, but this time through music. His return to the music scene marked an important milestone in his life and extensive career as he was now standing out as one of the most versatile Puerto Rican artists.

“Music and movies are some of the most powerful tools in terms of art, since through them you can transmit the message directly and impact millions of lives. That is why I’m passionate about music and movies because they inspire me to continue delivering messages to create awareness.

“The ministries that the Father gave me will serve as an inspiration to everyone, but especially to the young people who are in the church and have not crossed that fine line that separates us from God and the world. Also, I take the message to those who still do not serve the Lord, so that through my testimony they can identify and recognize that only God can change their lives.

“I create music for the purpose of evangelizing, praising, worshiping, reflecting, and above all impacting lives with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have released 8 songs with their respective music videos, of which the first 7 are part of the concept of a story, which is segmented by chapters that culminate with that story in the song

‘Amor De Por Vida.’ In each of those songs my experiences, questions, and history are reflected through each music video.”

LATEST RELEASE

“My latest single “Hallelujah” (“Aleluya”) was inspired by Psalm 145:1, which says, ‘I will exalt you, my God the King; and I will praise your name for ever and ever.’ The song is a musical fusion of reggaeton drums, cumbia, and sweet melodies that accompany an inspiring theme that immerses the listener in deep reflection. The lyrics conveys a message that nothing material will enter the kingdom of heaven and the joy we feel as children of God when we daily reaffirm our commitment to Him."

ADVICE FOR SINGERS

“My advice to a young person who seeks to enter the gospel music industry is to first ensure that he or she has a genuine call, and that it is not for self-interest or recognition. Because the only one that must be exalted at all times is Jesus Christ. Second, if you want to use music as a tool to spread the gospel, you must practice what you preach, because what’s the use of edifying others when you have not been edified yet. Finally, be inspired in your heart and soul by Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Do your part, work hard, and leave your music ministry in His hands and you will see the mighty move of God.”

WHAT'S NEXT?

“I’m currently working with great expectation on what will be my first Christian music album, which will consist of more than 14 songs. It will have different musical genres such as reggaeton, rap, pop, and worship, among others. Eventually, I’ll be working on what will be 4 Estrella 3, since millions of people are anxiously awaiting the release. But the most important thing is to continue working for the Lord and spreading His word throughout all the nations.”

LOVE AGAIN

BOOK 2 - MCINTOSH BROTHERS SERIES

by Ann Marie Bryan Bestselling Author

Some connections are too powerful to ignore. Let the adventure begin … Dive in to witness the incredible transformative power of love.

with a sense of purpose to inspire and empower www.annmariebryan.com

MORE THAN JUST A SINGER Stacy Elevated”Wilson

by Beverlyn Johnson Wilks

“While growing up, I realized I had the ability to sing at the age of 11,” says Stacy. “I was always singing at youth clubs, during school devotions, and at community stage shows.”

Anative of St. Catherine, Jamaica, Stacy “Elevated” Wilson is the third of eight children, but she gained a brother from her father and his beautiful wife.

After relocating to Orlando 18 years ago, Stacy has served as worship leader for several ministries throughout Central Florida. “I love the Lord with all my heart, and I believe in singing and worshiping Him from the heart.”

For decades, Stacy desired to write and record her own music. In 2020, during the global pandemic, “the words began to flow like rivers of living water out of me—one song, two songs, three songs, four. The enemy thought I would give up, but I know that God has chosen me for this appointed time, and I want to inspire others through music to let their light shine.”

Stacy is married to her amazing husband, Codrington Ezroy Wilson. She has a beautiful daughter, Jheanel Johnson-Foster, and through marriage she gained two precious daughters, Tatiana and Codrice. Stacy is thrilled to be grandmother to her handsome grandson, Jahmiel, who is Jheanel’s son.

VBD Magazine had an opportunity to speak with the phenomenal artist about the gospel music industry, what inspires her to make music, and her upcoming projects.

VBD: Growing up, who influenced you musically?

STACY: I was influenced by my mom, Marjorie Lewis, first and foremost, and a few of my aunts. My mom was always singing for us, and she loved it when I sang for her. She would ask me to sing two to three songs before I left her presence. If I sang at an event and she was not present, she would always ask, “How did you do? How did you sing? Did the people clap?” And if I responded “Yes,” then I would have to imitate what I did at the event. It’s funny looking back at those days.

I also enjoyed listening to CeCe Winans, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Chevelle Franklyn.

VBD: At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?

STACY: I’ve always wanted to share my gift of singing with others, but at one point, I went through a struggle where I doubted myself. I didn’t think it would happen for me. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I was home alone, one day, locked away with God. My mom and husband were at work, and that’s when God revealed my gift of writing.

I clearly remember walking into the kitchen and saying, I’m going to write a song. I sat at the kitchen counter and quickly grabbed my Bible and was led to the Book of Proverbs. As I was reading and studying Proverbs 10, I was surprised how the words of the first song started coming to me.

For days, I sat at the counter, writing and writing, until I had more than 10 songs. Even though I was writing, I was still having doubts. I didn’t know who would produce the songs or where the money would come from. And with all the negative things that were spoken about me and not seeing anyone around who promised to help me, I cried out to God. At that moment, “You Chose Me” was born.

VBD: What is one reason you are passionate about music?

STACY: God is the reason I’m so passionate about music. I love to sing to the Lord. Music soothes my mind and relaxes me. It encourages me, because sometimes I may be going through a challenging situation and listening to the right song can help to bring clarity to the situation.

VBD: What do you hope your music will bring to the gospel music industry that would encourage more people to follow Christ?

STACY: I hope my music will bring healing and deliverance, and let people know that God’s promises are real.

VBD: What was the inspiration behind your last project?

STACY: On February 11, 2022, I released my first single, “You Chose Me,” and

it was a success. I didn’t think I could ever write a song, but the Holy Spirit inspired me.

My husband encouraged me to finish the project. Also, my manager and friend, Suzette Farquharson-Morgan has always been a tower of strength.

VBD: What advice would you give to singers looking to go into the gospel music industry?

STACY: God is faithful, so I would encourage them to wait on the Lord and trust in Him. At times, the journey may seem impossible, and the road tough, but it won’t last forever. If I can do it, you can too.

God will give you the tools and people you need to help you succeed. Not only did I write “You Chose Me,” but I also helped with the editing and producing of the song.

VBD: What’s next for you?

STACY: I am currently working on an album that I hope to release next year. From the album, I’m planning to release the single, “I AM Blessed” this fall.

Also, I have a concert scheduled every month for the rest of this year. Then, there is the Tampa Bay Gospel Awards (TBGA) for which I was nominated Best New Artist and Female Artist of the Year. As part of the TBGA, I was invited to sing during the New Artist Showcase on Friday, October 6, 2023, and, of course, I look forward to the award ceremony on October 7.

Stream or download "You Chose Me":

stacyelevatedwilson.com

BUILT TO WIN

Omega Forbes

AWARD-WINNING GOSPEL RECORDING ARTIST & SONGWRITER

by Ann Marie Bryan

Born into a family with an appreciation for music, Minister Omega Forbes’ passion for music began at an early age. Not only is he an anointed singer, but he is also an anointed lyricist and preacher who is walking in his calling.

Multifaceted in the area of singing, Omega is a powerful force as a praise and worship leader. During praise and worship, he strives to minister in a way that creates an atmosphere conducive for deliverance. His mission is to lead people beyond the veil and into the presence of the Lord.

VBD Magazine had an opportunity to speak with Omega about all the amazing things God is doing in his life. In a time where we have all had to rethink our way forward, the Man of God is forging ahead and making waves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

CALLED TO SING

“I sing a wide variety of styles within the Christian Music genre which makes my music well-rounded,” says Omega. “It is my prayer that my story will be shared through songs and will draw individuals to Christ. I want to reach sinners and encourage believers through the music that God has given me.”

Over the past 22 years, Omega has recorded 4 albums and 2 EPs. His latest single is entitled “May the Works I’ve Done Speak for Me.” Further, Omega was instrumental in the area of lyricist and is featured as a lead vocalist on the Youth for Christ’s (Y.F.C.) “Love Comes In All Colors” album, along with Kim Burrell and other gospel artists and on Y.F.C’s latest album entitled “Thank Him In Advance.” He has also written for Leoford Thomas’ “With You Always” album, Y.F.C.’s Stellar Award winning “The Struggle is Over” album and Troy Sneed’s “In Due Season” album.

Omega has appeared on television shows such as Your Voice and PowerHouse. He has been featured on Bobby Jones Gospel Explosion and Just Be Real (Gospel Lounge Artist) which aired on the Word Network. He was involved in produc-

tions such as Grandma’s Hats, Sunday Night Live, Leave Wrong Alone, and After Church Live

To minister to his community, Omega sang during functions sponsored by the United Way, the Urban League, Big Bend Cares, Bridgeway Halfway House, Jubilee Job-Link, Martin Luther King Day Celebration, The Sickle Cell Foundation, and the NAACP.

Omega has been recognized as the 1st Place winner of the North Florida Fair’s Gospel Showcase. Also, he had the distinct honor of being named “Male Artist of the Year” at the first Capital City Awards in 2010 and his group, The Family & Friends Chorale, was named “Group of the Year.”

In the past, Omega functioned as Director of Music at Shady Grove #1 P.B. Church where Elder Chester F. Brown III was the Senior Pastor. Also, he operated as the Minister of Worship at Celebrate New Life Tabernacle for nine years, where Bishop Joseph W. Henderson is the Senior Pastor. In addition, he served as Minister of Music for Deliverance Temple Ministries, where Senior Bishop Titus Deas, Jr. is Pastor.

Currently, Omega is the Minister of Worship at New Mt. Zion AME Church in Tallahassee, Florida, under the leadership of Reverend Michael Bell, Jr.

“Serving as a worship leader, I minister to all types of people weekly, and I must stay abreast of the different genres and styles of Gospel Music. Not only that, but I must be able to shift and flow in any atmosphere. Importantly, my family helps to keep me balanced. My family challenges, supports, and encourages me throughout the various stages of my musical journey.”

MUSICAL INFLUENCE

“The Winans family and Pastor John P. Kee were some of the Gospel greats that have influenced me from a national perspective. However, I can’t forget those who influenced me locally, which would be Pastor Lamar Simmons and Rev. Danny Whitfield. I had the opportunity to sing in both of their community choirs. As a result, I gleaned many invaluable lessons from them."

SHARING THE STAGE

Omega has worked with numerous musical ministries, including Lamar Simmons & The Ambassadors of Christ, Tabernacle Collegiate Choir, and The Soldiers of Prophecy. On other occasions, he has had the opportunity to share the stage with illustrious recording artists such as Vicki Winans, Tye Tribbett, Hezekiah Walker, Mali Music, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Marvin Sapp, Shirley Caesar, Beverly Crawford, Byron Cage, Kurt Carr, Rev.

Milton Bigham and Georgia Mass Choir, Troy Sneed, Tamela Mann, David “Mr. Brown” Mann, The Williams Brothers, Dorothy Norwood, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, Donnie McClurkin, Wes Morgan, the legendary Temptations, Todd Dulaney, Lisa Knowles and the Brown Singers, and more.

FORBES MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL

Omega operates as a director at Forbes Ministries International, an organization that focuses on spreading the gospel through various forms of arts. Services include workshops, seminars, voice lessons, concerts, musicals, and band conferences.

“It is our sincere desire to touch the hearts of individuals from all walks of life, regardless of ethnic background, religious belief, or denomination. We are committed to give of ourselves in the service of God, in such a unique way, to capture the attention of those we minister to.”

THE FAMILY & FRIENDS CHORALE

In 1999, The Family & Friends Chorale was founded by Omega. “This anointed group of men and women from various denominational backgrounds came together with one accord to minister to the people of God in a unique way. From its inception, The Chorale has grown in every sense of the word and has proven to be a tremendous blessing at home and abroad.”

ADVICE TO SINGERS

“There is more to artistry than having a good voice. One must be able to bring more skills to the table than just the gift. Be open to constructive criticism and people’s opinions; tough skin is needed. Live a life that’s pleasing to God, and never stop growing in God.”

UPCOMING PROJECTS

“I have a few ministry and performance dates coming up this year. In addition to that, I am working on a new single that I hope to release in the near future.”

START SOMEWHERE TO BEGIN AGAIN

GOSPEL RECORDING ARTIST Sharon Mitchell

by Icylin Morgan

“I am praying that the songs I sing bring light to everyone who hears them,” says Sharon Mitchell, Founder of Bless By Favor. “The mission of Bless By Favor is to encourage others to pursue Christ by studying His Word. With that being said, I use my gift to spread joy and faith to others.”

AMinister of Music at Saint Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church, Mims, Florida, Sharon leads praise and worship under the leadership of Pastor Ira Lightsey during Sunday morning services. “I am a gospel artist and I use my God-given voice to inspire and encourage others and usher them into the presence of the Lord. I am saved, healed, and delivered. I use my gift of singing to illustrate the heart of God.”

Sharon’s single “Love So Deep” was created at a point in her life when God delivered her from a challenging situation. The inspiration behind this song is the realization that it was God’s love that held Him to the cross. “I’m happy that God gave me this song and I love the ministry that flows from it. It was a pleasure to sing ‘Love So Deep’ at an event in Greensboro, South Carolina.”

Currently, Sharon is working on her next project “Come 2 Jesus,” and can’t wait to share this project with the world. Further, she is a nominee for Traditional Artist of the Year in the Tampa Bay Gospel Awards (TBGA). “I enjoy being a part of TBGA which is hosted by Jorad Holmes, CEO and Founder. I have been attending the award show since 2017 and I’m looking forward to being present at the show October 6-7, 2023. I can’t wait.”

Sharon attends Daytona State College where she’s pursuing an associate degree. “My goal is to finish school and open a daycare center where children will grow and develop in a safe environment.”

GLORIFYING GOD THROUGH MUSIC

Sandi Ruise

GOSPEL RECORDING ARTIST

by Beverlyn Johnson Wilks

Sandi Ruise was born in Miami, Florida and raised in Margaretta, Florida. She has an amazing son, whom she treasures; and is a faithful member of New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ. Sandi comes from a large family of singers and is working to be the first to break into the gospel music industry. As the daughter of a preacher, Sandi had many opportunities to prepare her voice to be used as an instrument for the Lord. Whether through leading the praise and worship team, operating as the director of the choir, or singing with the choir, music has been a big part of Sandi’s life from the very beginning.

Approximately 20 years ago, Sandi began her journey to becoming a Gospel recording artist but was unable to move her music and showcase her passion to an audience beyond the pulpit. It was not until she connected with a longtime friend and fellow PK (preacher’s kid), that she began to minister to a wider audience.

For months, Sandi and her team spent many days and nights working tirelessly to produce the kind of music that would lift the name of Jesus and be a blessing to her and others. After much prayer, patience, and the approval from the Lord, her single “He Did It” was released and that became the official beginning of Sandi’s music career.

In an interview with VBD Magazine, the anointed singer shares the inspiration behind her music, what she hopes her music will bring to the Gospel music industry, her recent project, and more.

VBD: What is one reason you are passionate about music?

SANDI: I am passionate about music because it can reach you no matter where you are, whether at your highest or lowest moments in life. It’s that understanding that inspires me to create music. Knowing how music has brought me out of my low places gives me hope knowing that something I give to the world could essentially have the same impact on others.

VBD: When did you start to sing and who has influenced you musically?

SANDI: According to my mother, I have been singing for “as long as I have been able to.” I will say, at the beginning I did not take it as seriously as I should have because I did not become aware of my gift for singing until I reached high school. Truthfully, it was my mother that pushed me to sing throughout my childhood. She understood my gift and made it known that I had something to share with the world.

I have been in the church all my life, so I have to say I was influenced by the great Shirley Caesar. She was always one of my favorites.

VBD: When did you decide to pursue a career in music?

SANDI: I started pursuing my music career at the age of 35, but I just could not get things to work as I desired. It wasn’t until the age of 50 when my good friend, and now producer, Tim Mulberry reached out to me and asked me if I wanted to record with him. I jumped at the offer, and we went to work.

VBD: What do you hope your music will bring to the gospel music industry that would encourage more people to follow Christ?

SANDI: My music is Traditional Gospel music, but with a contemporary flare. So, when you are listening to my music, you’ll get a “hand clapping, foot stomping” sound, because that’s home to me. It’s good old-fashioned gospel music for the new generation.

My hope is that my music will bring continued encouragement and healing. That it will be a constant reminder of the goodness, grace, and mercy of God well beyond its time. This release is proof of God's faithfulness, even before you press play, He is always there.

VBD: What was the inspiration behind your last project?

SANDI: My most recent project was “He Did It”, which opened the door for my nomination for the Tampa Bay Gospel Awards’ Traditional Artist of the Year. I thank God for that. The inspiration behind this project goes back to the beginning of the process. I have been praying and seeking opportunities for my music to reach a wider audience but that was not happening. It wasn’t until I let go and let God show me the way that it happened, and it only happened because “He Did It”.

VBD: What advice would you give to singers looking to go into the gospel music industry?

SANDI: I would tell them to stay prayed up, always follow God, and let Him direct them to the path and sound that He would have them to pursue. Never give up on your dream. It may not work as soon as you want it to, but keep pushing and in His time, God will open the right door for you to step through.

VBD: What’s next for you?

SANDI: Currently, we are working on my new EP and looking forward to releasing it in the next few months. We have been working hard on this one, so we are encouraging everyone to lookout for it. All information for the EP will be released in preparation for the big day.

Sandi Ruise

Ashford Sanders BORN TO WORSHIP

GOSPEL RECORDING ARTIST, SONGWRITER & RESTAURATEUR

by Paula Hamilton

At 5 years old, Ashford Sanders was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, his answer—a world renown gospel artist. He did not yet know Jesus but fell in love with gospel music listening to The Canton Spirituals, a well-known gospel recording group. Without a doubt, Ashford knew that his calling was music, chiefly gospel music, and he had the mellifluous voice to match his calling.

With his Singles “Millions”, “Blessed Assurance”, “Make Me Better Lord”, “How I Got Over”, “All the Praise”, Praise & Glory”, and his most recent release “On Time”, the BET’s Sunday Best season 5 fan favorite is undoubtedly fulfilling his desire to spread the gospel through music. Ashford was one of the recipients of the 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

VBD Magazine recently sat down with the Canton, Mississippi native to talk about his music, business ventures, and plans to feed the needy in Atlanta, Georgia. Ashford is not only a singer and songwriter, but he is also ready to take on the role of producer and more.

CALLED TO WORSHIP

“I have been on dialysis for 12 years,” Ashford reveals, “but I don’t ‘wear’ this illness on my sleeves because I am too busy working on the plans that God has given me. Since I was 5, I knew that I wanted to be a gospel singer. I still have fond memories of singing in church and members telling me how blessed they were by my singing. I have been blessed immensely over the years.”

Ashford felt he was chosen by God, as he never had a desire for the things of the world. “I always wanted to live for God. When I was 14 years old, during a church revival service, I had a spiritual encounter. I saw the Lord with open arms beckoning to me. On my mother’s advice, I asked God for a sign and received it immediately. I then decided to make Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. Since then, I have never looked back. By the time I was 18 years old, I was fully immersed in the Holy Spirit.

“My early experiences singing with choirs and groups gave me a strong foundation. I have been greatly influenced by traditional gospel music from the Williams Brothers and The Canton Spirituals. My music career took a significant turn when I met Doug Williams from the Williams Brothers. They helped with the release of Blackberry Record presents ‘Wedding Songs’ and ‘Songs Mama Use to Sing.’”

A JOURNEY OF HOPE

Ashford was offered the opportunity to sing R&B, but his first love is Gospel music and he stood by that love. His immense faith and love for God paid off when a path opened for him in 2012 when he arrived in Dallas to audition for the X-Factor. He was unaware that BET was in Dallas at the same time doing auditions for their hit TV show Sunday Best. Ashford ended up at T.D. Jakes’ church at an audition for Sunday Best instead.

The shift in his music career happened when he became one of the top 5 finalists in Sunday Best season 5. This after being eliminated from the competition during seasons 2 and 3. On the show, Kim Burrell complimented him on his “anointed” musical delivery and thanks to Kirk Franklin the audience got involved in “Doing the Ashford”, a dance experience.

“ Sunday Best was a great opportunity which taught me perseverance. I had tried out a couple times and didn't make the final cut. But it shows that God has a plan for our lives, and we are to trust Him. Sunday Best gave me a chance to minister to a larger audience. God was with me, walking beside me and opening doors every step of the way.”

In 2015, while visiting an IHOP restaurant in Jackson, Mississippi, Ashford encountered fans who asked him to sing. He did not turn down the opportunity and the whole restaurant joined in to sing along. The video of the moving rendition caught the attention of the local news, and the social media post went viral, amassing millions of views.

“I was blessed to work with many amazing talents. Pharis Evans, Jr. was the mastermind behind my solo project debut.

He wrote some of the songs and I wrote some. He wrote the first Single ‘Because You’ve Been Good,’ one of my personal favorites. I am amazed at how God is purposefully working in my life.”

There is no stopping Ashford as he continues to tour across the country to spread the message of Jesus Christ.

ADVICE TO YOUNG ARTISTS

“The current state of gospel music is troubling because of its secularization. I remember when gospel music used to convict people’s hearts. Sadly, it has now been watered down because of compromises. I believe that the gospel needs to return to its spiritual roots.”

Ashford implores young and upcoming artists to “be still, trust God, and be sincere with Him. Understand you are not perfect, and you are going to make a lot of mistakes along the way. However, if you surround yourself with people who are better than you, people who are doing it right, ultimately, you become like those people.

“Do not be anxious or desperate so that you consider deals that do not make sense. Get a lawyer to review your contracts. Also, build your brand using social media. The more traction you have on your own, the better chance you will have when approached by producers.

FUTURE UNDERTAKINGS

Currently, Ashford resides in Georgia and has a few things in the works. As a minister of music, he is constantly teaching choirs and training musicians. He is also working on another dream—opening a new restaurant at 2002 Campbellton Road SW, Atlanta, in early August. The opening will be a 3-day fanfare. A part of Ashford’s plan is to shut down his restaurant for two hours on Mondays and use a newly purchased concession food trailer to feed the homeless.

“I also want to contribute to communities to help struggling parents who are trying but still do not have enough to feed their families. I have a passion for giving and I am always strategizing on the best way to do so.

“I am also working on the marketing strategy for my new Single, On Time , preparing to shoot the music video, and working on other Singles.” Eventually, Ashford plans to release an album.

WALKING IN HIS ANOINTING AND GRACE

Evelyn Duran

GOSPEL RECORDING ARTIST & SONGWRITER

by Icylin Morgan

Gospel recording artist and songwriter Evelyn Duran is creating a lasting impression on the hearts of her audiences with her fresh, rich melodic vocals. The inspiring singer is highly motivated and guided by her faith as she continues her musical career.

Evelyn was born in the city of La Romana, Dominican Republic, to parents who were pastors and grandparents who instructed her to love and serve God and people. From childhood, Evelyn had a great interest in music and was introduced to singing by her parents and her older musician siblings.

From the age of 8, Evelyn began singing in missionary outreach, ministering to other children by teaching Bible classes and leading worship. Since her teen years, she has participated in various musical bands and worship ministries at her local church and collaborated in the recording of several Christian albums.

In 1996, Evelyn’s family moved to Miami, Florida, where she currently resides. There, she continued to grow in her musical journey and participated in the local church leadership.

Evelyn is the co-host of the television program Tiempos de Alabar, which is broadcast in the United States as well as several countries in Latin America, the

Caribbean, and Europe. Further, God has granted her the privilege to share the stage with several amazing Gospel recording artists.

In 2011, Evelyn recorded her first single in Miami, “Salmo 27,” which continues to be a blessing to many people. She then produced the single “Ven Sobre Todos” in 2020, a song praying that the Holy Spirit covers the world. In 2021, Evelyn released her first album “Dios Tu Eres Fiel.”

Evelyn is a part of the Quisqueya Canta al Señor Children's Foundation, whose objective is to focus on meeting the spiritual and physical needs of hundreds of children in the Dominican Republic.

Her goal in life has always been and will always be to exalt the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. The best is yet to come!

MINISTERING THE HEART OF GOD

Debra Williams

GOSPEL RECORDING ARTIST & SONGWRITER

by Paula Hamilton

Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida, where she led her first song “I come to the Garden alone” in the youth choir. Today, Debra is a musician, Gospel recording artist, and songwriter.

“My mother introduced me to Christ at an early age and kept me anchored in the church. Now I can see how she set the path and prepared me,” says Debra. “In those early years, I developed a special love for gospel music and felt a calling on my life to spread the gospel through playing piano and singing.”

VBD Magazine caught up with the phenomenal artist to talk about the gospel music industry, the reason she is passionate about music, her latest project, and advice for aspiring gospel singers. It was great to hear from the talented artist who is not letting anything hold her back from walking in purpose.

CALLED TO WORSHIP

As a very young child, Debra recalls how she would use a box to pretend to play the piano and reenact church services with her family and friends every Sunday after church. ‘Even then I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit,” Debra tells us.

It was at that time that her mom realized the calling on Debra’s life and her great love for singing. As a result, her mother worked tirelessly to ensure that Debra attended piano lessons, and eventually Debra began playing piano for a church in her neighborhood at the age of 13. She continues to play for many churches throughout the Tampa Bay area. Currently, Debra is the Minister of Music of her church, Hope of Shiloh Community Church, in Tampa, Florida. She also serves as a musician at Loving Hill Primitive Baptist Church, in Seffner, Florida.

The youngest of five children, Debra Williams was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. Her mother was rooted and ground-

ed in the Word of God, and she instilled Godly principles in her children. At the age of 7, Debra was baptized and born again at Greater Mount Moriah Primitive

“I am passionate about God’s word and gospel music because of the divine connection, healing, and deliverance that comes through songs as we praise, worship, and honor God. Gospel music is ministry and sustaining power for the hopeless. It’s peace in the time of a storm. There is something sweet and reassuring about gospel music. My passion is driven by being obedient to the Holy Spirit.”

Debra’s husband, and two daughters continue to support her as she expands her reach and impact as a Gospel recording artist.

MUSICAL INFLUENCE

Debra was influenced by many great leaders and attributes their inspiration to who she is today. She sang and played the piano with The Angels of Love gospel singers and the late Eddie Mae Jackson who inspired her and was a major role model. Debra admired how she would sing in church and lead her group “The Voices of Zion,” which was a local Jubilee Gospel group in Tampa.

Debra was a member and musician in the Jackson Ensemble which was later renamed and reorganized as the The Gospel Miraclettes with her sisters & nieces. The Gospel Miraclettes released their first album entitled “He’s Only A Prayer Away” in 2007.

Debra served as the group manager for over 30 years as they traveled through Florida and Georgia ministering the gospel through song. The group shared the stage with other major gospel artists, including Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites.

MAKING HER MARK

“I often feel like I didn’t decide or choose to pursue a career in music, but it chose me. I have always been led to do the work of the Lord. I remember growing up as a teenager and listening to the elders and mothers of the church tell me that I have a calling on my life, often referring to me as an evangelist. Now, as a mature woman of God, I’m careful and intentional about aligning my actions with the calling that God has placed on my life.”

In September 2021, Debra stepped out and released her first solo EP entitled “Heaven is a Beautiful Place.”

“This project began after I signed up for a songwriting class offered by EvoWorld Entertainment Music Group. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but God knew. The class was taught by the renowned, Stella award winning Gospel recording artist Lisa Knowles-Smith.

“I remember one night in class I said to Lisa, ‘I don’t know why I’m in this class,’ because the class was about songwriting. She confirmed what I believe, when she said, ‘because God placed you here and does things for a reason.’ Being obedient to the Holy Spirit and letting the Lord guide my path, I stepped out on faith, and I wrote three songs. The first song ‘Heaven is a Beautiful Place’ came to me through a dream.

My sister passed away suddenly in 2018 and I was there with her. “While I was grieving and healing, Janice, who had transitioned to be with the Lord, came to visit me in a dream. All I could see was her beautiful smile as she looked back at me and pointed towards Heaven, the beautiful city, to let me know that she was okay. Following that dream, I was inspired to write ‘Heaven is a Beautiful Place.’ God continued to pour into me and blessed me to write two more songs, ’Mighty God’ and ‘You Lift Me Up.’”

Debra has been nominated for the Tampa Bay Awards in 2022 and 2023 for the Traditional Artist of the Year. In 2022, she won Florida Fresh Fridays Top Traditional Artist.

MINISTERING THE HEART OF GOD

“It is my prayer that listeners will experience the presence of the Lord through my music. I pray it brings comfort and peace

to the weary soul who is believing that God is still God. Listeners can expect that my music will encourage them and take them to a place of refuge through good old quartet style singing. I want listeners to know that God’s word is true, and He is a promise keeper.”

DDW MINISTRIES

Debra is the Founder and CEO of DDW Ministries, LLC. The organization was established during this season to meet the needs of God’s people through His word, music, praise, and ministry.

“DDW Ministries will encourage and bring a sense of hope to the hopeless and restore faith to the weary through the Word of God. Services are offered at various functions such as home going services, women conferences, church engagements, Christian retreats, local school functions for Great American Teach-In and anything else according to God’s will to uplift the Kingdom and work of the Lord.”

ADVICE TO GOSPEL SINGERS

“Gospel singers, remember, many are called but few are chosen. When you have been chosen, work diligently in that calling according to God’s plan, for He knows the plan He has for you. Trust in the Lord, pray without ceasing, and ask God for a discerning spirit. Network in the industry and serve others. Show up as your authentic self and be about the Lord’s business. While mastering these things, your blessings will overflow. Always remember that what God has for you is for you. Go forth.”

UPCOMING EVENTS

“On July 8, 2023, I participated in the EvoWorld Entertainment Music Group ‘Livin the Dream Concert Experience’ in Memphis, Tennessee. I was excited to minister the heart of God to his people. Listeners can expect to hear my new music soon and even a Christmas project in the near future.”

Pastor Dr. Henry L. Brown, III REDEFINE YOUR STORY

EDUCATOR, GOSPEL RECORDING ARTIST, & SONGWRITER

by Dr. Henritta Stewart

Pastor Dr. Henry L. Brown, III, affectionately called Pastor Henry, is a gifted servant of God who desires to do His will. A man of many talents, Pastor Henry is a powerful preacher, inspirational educator, and anointed singer. His remarkable growth in the ministry is a testament to what God can and will do through His children.

The dynamic pastor has been married for over 29 years to Lady Sherry, the love of his life. They are the proud parents of two adult children, Ansley Marie, and Henry L. Brown, IV, who is married to Mayah. Pastor Henry and Lady Sherry are the proud grandparents of two-yearold Nioami Blossom Brown.

Recently, VBD Magazine had the distinct pleasure of talking with the man of God about his successes and challenges, his journey as an educator, and his calling to serve in ministry. Pastor Henry was relaxed, yet alert as he responded to our questions via Zoom. It is easy to see how his engaging personality, educational qualifications, and people-centered approach, makes him an effective leader. But his real mission, Pastor Henry says, is much broader. And by the looks of things, he is not afraid to blaze his own trail.

THE BEGINNING

During his childhood years, Pastor Henry dedicated his life to serving God. It was evident that God’s hand was on his life. His father Bishop Henry L. Brown Jr. and the late Queen Mother Margaret Annie Lee Brown are the founders of Brown’s Temple F.B.H. Church in Pompano Beach, Florida. This church has been a staple in the community for over 58 years.

Pastor Henry began singing in the ministry at five years old in the children’s choir. He started singing in the background and later discovered that he had a gift for singing. As a result, he began to lead songs for the children’s and young adult choirs. Also, he found an interest in playing the organ at the age of thirteen and started playing for the ministry.

THE CALL TO MINISTRY

At sixteen years old, Pastor Henry accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior. It was prophesied that he would be the pastor of Brown’s Temple, but Pastor Henry fought this calling for many years. However, he could not escape God’s calling.

In 2019, Bishop Henry L. Brown Jr. passed the mantle to Pastor Henry during an installation service held at the church. Having received his mandate from God, Pastor Henry obediently fulfilled his calling as Senior Pastor of Brown’s Temple F.B.H. Church. To date, he has been in ministry for over 22 years.

“I think that the prayers of my mother, the prayers of my father, the prayers of my grandmother, and the prayers of those old missionaries have kept me grounded.”

WALKING IN PURPOSE

“I want to see people who are broken, healed. Depression is real in the church, whether you believe it or not.”

Driven by his determination to inspire and encourage the unchurch and young people, Pastor Henry, with his father, founded Brown’s Community Development, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit, in 2001. The organization works with Brown’s Temple Outreach Ministry to bring souls to Christ while supporting and serving the Esquire Lakes and Collier City communities.

Under the leadership of Pastor Henry, Brown’s Temple engages in community service, a vital mission for its congregation, provides good deeds, and collaborates with other non-profit organizations to assist the local community annually regarding health and wellness programs. For school issues, they provide valuable resources and services. Furthermore, Pastor Henry has initiated several other ministries, and the church has grown spiritually and numerically.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Pastor Henry’s favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This is a scripture that has encouraged him through-

out his life. Considered an “at-risk youth” in elementary school, Pastor Henry credits his success to a former teacher who encouraged him.

“She said ‘I speak some greatness in you.’ She was the first person to ever reach out to me. Her name was Corliss Russell, the late Ms. Russell, because she passed away.” Ms. Russell’s encouragement inspired her young student to continue his education.

“I missed a lot academically as it relates to reading and writing. So, when I graduated from high school, I barely made it.”

Eventually, Pastor Henry earned a bachelor’s degree in business education from Albany State University and graduated summa cum laude from Nova Southeastern University with a Master of Science in

Educational Leadership. Subsequently, in June 2012, he received his doctoral degree in Child Youth Studies with a minor in curriculum, from Nova Southeastern University.

EDUCATOR EXTRAORDINAIRE

As an educator, Pastor Henry’s career has spanned nearly three decades, where he taught students mathematics, business education, dropout prevention, career research and decision-making skills. Pastor Henry’s enthusiasm and passion for his profession are reflected in his many leadership roles, and his numerous awards of achievement include the African American Achievement Award, Silver Medallion Award, Florida Teacher of the Year, National Teacher of the Year Finalist, U.S.A. Today All-Star Teacher, Florida House of Representatives Tribute,

Broward County Teacher of the Year, and Disney Teacher Award Nominee. He has been featured on CNN News, USA. Today, and N.S.U. Educational Infomercial. Pastor Henry has received many more awards, proclamations, and accolades. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

Currently, Pastor Henry is the Principal at Pine Ridge Education Center and an Adjunct Professor at St. Thomas University. In addition to his doctorate in education, he plans to pursue a Doctor of Divinity degree.

MINISTERING IN SONG

“I’ve always had an interest in singing. Back in the day, I was in the church, but I had one foot in and one foot out. While I was growing up, I experimented with R&B and different things like that. In high school, I won many talent shows, singing like Luther Vandross. However, I knew that was not what I wanted to do. I always wanted to sing gospel, always had a dream of singing and just ministering to the world with my gift.”

Spreading the love of God around the

world has always been an essential part of Pastor Henry’s life. He constantly reminds himself, “To whom much is given, much is required.” As a man of the Word and operating as God’s vessel, Pastor Henry is an up-and-coming new gospel artist. He released his debut song “I Am Strong,” followed by his new single “Build Me Up,” in June 2023.

““Build Me Up” features my good friend and one of my favorite vocalists, Beverly Crawford. I love contemporary music, but this is a traditional song—hand clapping, foot stomping, and tambourine beating. This song will make you feel like you’re in church. Both songs will work together to uplift hearts and empower listeners to overcome life obstacles. When you hear my music, I want the anointing to transfer, through the airways, to wherever the listener is.”

ADVICE TO ASPIRING SINGERS

“Stay focused and just be aware of the snares of the enemy. Sometimes, we look at the dollar, but the dollar sometimes comes with the price. Be careful. Don’t let money move you because that can be a trap.

“You are on the frontlines of life, ask God to lead and direct you. Have patience because young people tend to want everything now. They want that million-dollar contract today. Wait and let God give you what He has for you. Don’t rush into things. What looks good is not always good. You can’t always look at the dollar figure, you’ve got to look at God your source, your provider. He is Jehovah Jireh. He will provide.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

“The next five years will not be in the pulpit. I think it will be more of me trying to reach those mothers who are struggling with raising their children by themselves. Also, I want to reach those kids who are in orphanages. I would like to reach people who are dealing with addictions, because the focus of the church has changed. Also, I’m looking forward to the upcoming release of my book Bent But Not Broken.”

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NONSTOP THRILLS FROM LYNN H. BLACKBURN WITH THE DEFEND AND PROTECT SERIES

After four US Secret Service Special Agents die in unusual circumstances within a ten-week span, FBI Special Agent Faith Malone is put in charge of the investigation. She’ll have to work alongside USSS Agent Luke Powell to bring a killer to justice—before his name joins his friends’ on the list.

Driven by a traumatic event in her past, Dr. Ivy Collins is on the precipice of a scientific breakthrough after years of research and sleepless nights when dangerous circumstances demand that she give it all up—to save someone else. Can US Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon work with her to help save her work—and her life?

Special Agent Tessa Reed left her demons in the past, but when she reconnects with USSS Agent Zane Thacker during a presidential fundraiser, one of those old adversaries comes to collect. These best friends must work together to protect the president and guard their own hearts.

TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY

Neecie Eliacin

GOSPEL RECORDING ARTIST

by Beverlyn Johnson Wilks

“My desire is to deliver a refreshing sound that ministers to the heart of man.”

~ Neecie Eliacin

Celebrated praise and worship leader Neecie Eliacin has become one of the most promising contemporary Christian virtuosos in the country. Her signature sound infuses traditional and contemporary gospel music, which has presented her with infinite opportunities to spread the message of God’s unchanging love for the world.

Neecie was born and raised on the Treasure Coast by way of Fort Pierce, Florida. As a young child, she began using her gift of singing in the choir at Greater Faith Church of God, Fort Pierce, under the leadership of Bishop Fredrick Lafluer. She then transitioned into singing on the worship team at Bass Temple Church of God in Christ, Fort Pierce, where her family worshiped at the time.

After entering high school at the prestigious Lincoln Park Academy, Neecie was recruited to the Concert Chorale, which traveled the eastern coast to do a plethora of concerts, competitions, and community, county, and state events. After graduating, Neecie furthered her education at Indian River State College, earning an Associate of Arts in Business Administration, and later a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management.

SERVING THE LORD

Neecie’s joy comes from serving the Lord in any and every capacity. She desires to keep the message of Christ on display, more than her brand as an artist.

“I am just a country girl who loves to worship. I grew up singing at the age of 5 in the children’s choir at Greater Faith Church of God in Fort Pierce, Florida. My choir director Ms. Rose promised me homemade peanut butter cookies if I led a song. Well, I did, and the rest is history.

“I came from a saved and talented family so ministry has always been in my future. I am steadfast and sold out to God and my eyes are focused on ministry and fulfilling His purpose. My dream is to deliver music that touches the heart of man. Not what’s hot, but what delivers, what heals, what restores, and music that God inhabits.

“Being one of God’s psalmists is the best feeling ever. Not only am I a psalmist, but I am a wife, mother, and teacher. My husband Marquise and I have been married for 9 years. He’s my teddy bear. My two kids Kaelynn and MJ are my heartbeats. I am thankful to God for my blessings!”

PRODUCING A REFRESHING SOUND

Neecie’s mother Cheryl Freeman influenced her musically. “I grew up watching my mom minister in song week after week in church, not knowing I would one day be doing the same thing. My mother is my greatest teacher and pusher. She always says, ‘Neecie, your gift will make room for you.’

“I am passionate about my music because the God I sing about proves himself to me every day. I love to usher people into

the presence of the Lord. I receive so much joy knowing that I am leading people into a place where liberty, healing, and deliverance can take place. I love singing about Jesus.

“I want people to experience God while listening to my music. My main goal is to produce music that churches can sing around the world. My prayer is that my music brings a new and refreshing sound to the Gospel music industry; Music that stands out but ministers to the heart of the people.”

Neecie has shared the stage with other Gospel artists such as Todd Dulaney, Maranda Curtis, and Pastor Shirley Caesar. Neecie is the founder and visionary of “The Refreshing Worship Culture”.

LATEST PROJECT

In May 2021, Neecie recorded “Your Name,” her first single. “‘Your Name’ is extremely special to me because not only is it my first song, but God downloaded this song in my spirit, while I was doing praise and worship at Main Street Church of God. I just sang what I heard. This song is an anthem that proclaims that His name is whatever you need Him to be.”

ADVICE TO GOSPEL SINGERS

“My advice would be what my mom told me— ‘Your gift will make room for you.’ Remember, there is no competition because it’s not about you, it’s about Jesus Christ. We are a part of the best industry in the world so if God gets the glory, our job is done.”

ON THE HORIZON

“I am planning to release another single soon and then release my full album. For now, I’ll see where God takes me.”

VICTORIOUS BY DEVELOPMENT HAVEN

Personal & Professional

Roscoe Robinson

BUILDING DREAMS AND DELIVERING PROMISES

by Icylin Morgan

Known for his desire and passion to see people walk out their God-given potential and destiny, Roscoe Robinson is operating with precision and witnessing the manifestation of his dream. A minister, author, and educational consultant, Roscoe is on a path to experience a lifetime of fruitful ministry.

In a candid conversation with VBD Magazine, Roscoe touched on a variety of subjects, but focused mainly on his work with at-risk youths, leadership workshops, and ministry. We are excited to share our interview with Roscoe whose enduring faith is saturated with hope.

EMBRACING PURPOSE

Roscoe Robinson hails from Huntsville, Missouri. He was always passionate about sports and was elated when he got the opportunity to carry out his passion at Westran High School. “I was an AllState athlete in both basketball and track in high school, and I was a two-time state champion in long jump,” says Roscoe.

After high school, Roscoe decided to continue his athletic journey when he attended the University of Texas, San Antonio, where he was an All-American athlete in track. During his junior and senior years, he participated in AmeriCorps. Also, he worked at summer camps in the inner city with at-risk youths.

“While working at one of the summer camps, I sensed that the young men needed more so I started a young men’s mentoring program called Young Kings with about 40 young boys, ages 11 to 18. Our main areas of focus were faith, character building, leadership, and community service. I was also able to get sponsors from local businesses to start a summer program for the boys. We participated in community service projects, grew in our faith, held cooking classes, and learned media skills and computer coding. By the end of summer, each participant in the program graduated with a certificate.”

ADAPTING TO THE UNEXPECTED

After he graduated from university with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Roscoe

WHILE WORKING AT ONE OF THE SUMMER CAMPS, I SENSED THAT THE YOUNG MEN NEEDED MORE SO I STARTED A YOUNG MEN’S MENTORING PROGRAM CALLED YOUNG KINGS WITH ABOUT 40 YOUNG BOYS, AGES 11 TO 18

desired to be a professional track athlete, but he felt that “God had a different plan. When I was going to become a professional, I tore my hamstring and it was not healing properly, so I had to find a different path.”

Following that incident, Roscoe moved to Memphis, Tennessee, to live with his sister who was in the military at that time. With no job and money, Roscoe started applying for jobs in the city. Eventually, he was hired as a first-grade teacher. “Going from working with teenagers to first graders was a big transition, but I loved every minute of it. Watching students come to my class and become fluent in reading brought joy to me.”

BECOMING UNSTOPPABLE

As the next four years flew by, Roscoe’s goal was to become a principal. However, after his last year of teaching, he felt a

pull towards community work. “A social media friend reached out to me and said there was this great position for me. So, I interviewed and was hired by Agape Child and Family Services which is a nonprofit that serves over 10,000 families in the city of Memphis.”

At the nonprofit organization, Roscoe serves as a Stars Connector Supervisor. “I lead a team through their school-based ministry that works one-on-one with children to provide diverse support and services to keep kids in school and ready to learn. Since being in this position, I have seen the lives of several children who are at-risk changed through our programs. They have become students who are ready to learn and excel through the programs we have offered including academic tutoring, behavior modification training, and emotional support.”

Advancing his learning goals, Roscoe pursued and obtained a master’s degree in education from Relay Graduate School of Education. Further, he received his ministerial credentials from Divine Life Institute School of Ministry, in Memphis, Tennessee.

“During the past several years, God has opened many doors for me to do public speaking. I have had the opportunity to speak to youths throughout the United States, as well as internationally. My goal

is to positively impact lives. If I can reach one person, and his or her life is changed for the better, I have done my part.”

WRITING TO IMPACT

“While working in the community, I became a published author. In 2021, I published my first book, Get Your Fight Back: Strategies to Win the Battles of Life. The book is aimed for those who have felt hopeless amidst the struggle of life, and thought the fight was lost to the adversary. The essence of the book is to restore hope to the weary. With this book, I have spoken at churches, schools, and youth empowerment organizations to help those who have lost hope.”

GAME-CHANGING LEADERSHIP

Witnessing the impact of his work became a guiding light for Roscoe to establish Roscoe Robinson Enterprises, LLC, in 2023. “Our mission is to serve as a catalyst of change by providing high quality products and services that empower multicultural communities globally. At first, it was difficult raising the capital, so I had to invest from my savings into my business.”

DURING THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, GOD HAS OPENED MANY DOORS FOR ME TO DO PUBLIC SPEAKING. I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO YOUTHS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES, AS WELL AS INTERNATIONALLY.

Currently, Roscoe Robinson Enterprises offers workshops in motivational speaking to at-risk students, professional development for educators, and a clothing line called God is Able for the urban man and woman.

“With motivational speaking, I am a trained social emotional learning specialist. I help at-risk students to overcome mental roadblocks to maximize their confidence and increase their academic performance.”

Recently, Roscoe founded the non-profit Roscoe Robinson Foundation. The mission is to give hope to youth who are living in poverty through the provision of food, clothing, healthcare, and education.

“I have worked with at-risk youths in poverty for over 10 years, and God put it on my heart to start the Roscoe Robinson Foundation to reach at-risk youths in the US and across the world. Through the Foundation’s first initiative, we will meet the basic needs of children in Jamaica through resources such as clothing, toiletries, and educational materials. I’m looking forward to the incredible things that will happen in the lives of the youths who participate in our programs. Our goal is to ensure that each child we work with has an equal opportunity to succeed.”

UPCOMING EVENTS

Roscoe’s work as a minister, educator, and author is just the beginning. There is so much more to come from this dynamic entrepreneur. “I have been able to speak internationally in Jamaica, Nigeria, Canada, England, and Barbados, because I took a leap of faith. For the period, June 28 - July 4, 2023, I traveled to Kingston, Jamaica, for a youth outreach mission to provide essential aid such as school supplies, hygiene products, clothing, and food for two Boy’s Homes serving over 120 boys, ages 6 to 18.”

GOING FROM WORKING WITH TEENAGERS TO FIRST GRADERS WAS A BIG TRANSITION, BUT I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT.

Sharon Dacres

RISE AND SHINE WITH THE DECLARATION ALARM APP

by Kerry-Ann McPherson

Sharon Dacres excelled in mathematics from an early age, so it was no surprise that she pursued a career that maximized her natural strength and abilities. She is an accomplished accountant with over 30 years of experience in public and private accounting. Twenty of those years have been with the world’s largest transportation, logistics, and technology company where she worked in various finance and accounting positions.

Prior to that, Sharon worked as a tax accountant for a private accounting firm as well as the now defunct Hachette Filipacchi Magazine. She is a co-author of the children’s book Mystery of the Missing Lunch. Further Sharon earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and an MBA from Ramapo College of New Jersey.

VBD Magazine is pleased to share Sharon’s story with you. Her courage to develop and launch Declaration Alarm, a mobile app, will inspire you to pursue your dreams.

INSPIRED TO CREATE

Sharon has another passion that runs deeper than her love for numbers and budgets. This is to demonstrate her love for God in her obedience to the Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:1920. An active member of Redeeming Love Christian Center in Nanuet, New York, Sharon is setting an example for modern-day Christians to follow.

“One Sunday at church, my pastor preached on the topic Jesus - Name Above All Names - Philippians 2:9,” Sharon reveals. “I remember looking in the distance as he was teaching, and I saw the name Jesus with words such as sickness and disease under it. I started thinking about other life circumstances, because those are names too, and the name of Jesus is above them. I decided to write the vision on paper in the form of a postcard. After that, I reflected on our Christian identity and created another postcard entitled I Am Who God Says I Am. It was the beginning of other postcards with biblical themes.

“About two years later, my friend read the postcards and remarked, ‘I could wake up

to those words ringing in my ear.’ Immediately, I responded, ‘That sounds like an alarm.’ This sparked the idea to combine the message in the form of an alarm mobile app called Declaration Alarm.”

Sharon’s dream became a reality when the Declaration Alarm app was developed and subsequently launched in June 2023.

OPERATING IN PURPOSE

The purpose of the Declaration Alarm app is to encourage listeners with the promises of God found in the Bible while spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“As Jesus commanded us to share the gospel with all nations, this app is for everyone. It can be accessed on Google Play and the IOS App Store. The user will be able to set a time, then receive one of 35 promises of God once the alarm is triggered. An added feature is that the promise is voice activated, so the user will hear the message as well as see the declaration along with scripture verses.”

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

“I started and stopped many times because of one thing or another. The original developer had setbacks which affected my app. After about one year, I met the right developer and designer who assisted me with turning things around. It reminds me of Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV) which states, ‘For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.’” This is just the beginning of Sharon’s entrepreneurial journey and while she is excited about developing the app and the benefits it will bring to listeners, she is practicing work-life balance. “I do this by prioritizing my relationships, so I spend time with my family members and catch up with friends. Also, I set boundaries and leave work at the time that it ends.”

OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

Sharon enjoys traveling, reading, and getting to know people. For 17 years, she

served as a mentor with the Big Brother Big Sister organization where she mentored two young girls, now ladies. Through various Business Resource Groups at her job she sometimes participates in other volunteer activities. She is currently one of the co-chairs for the Jamaican Civic & Cultural Association of Rockland (JAMCCAR) annual luncheon. Sharon and her husband also volunteer as online professors with University of the People (UoPeople).

FUTURE PLANS

“My plans are to create blankets, cups, postcards, placemats and more with the same theme as well as other themes like my original design: Jesus – Name Above all Names.”

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DESIGN Victorious By

FASHION & BEAUTY

Photo Credit: Anthony Josey for GeniusWorldMedia

Hope Wade

DESIGNING DREAMS

THE ARTISTRY OF THE FASHION DESIGNER EXTRAORDINAIRE

by Ann Marie Bryan

Photo Credit: Wayne Winston

In the fashion industry, where trends come and go like fleeting dreams, there are those remarkable individuals who forge a legacy through their exceptional artistic expressions. Fashion designer Hope Wade belongs to this influential group of visionary designers.

There’s just something special about Hope—her vivacious personality, amazing sense of self, extraordinary creativity, unconventional glamor, and the unyielding passion she exhibits towards her craft. Hope is captivating the fashion world with her imagination and redefining the very essence of style. The key to her brand’s originality and success is her ability to dream.

VBD Magazine was happy to pin down the business-savvy designer to discuss the realities of running a fashion brand, building a label, designing for well-known individuals, and her outstanding leadership in the Rockland community. Enter the captivating world of Hope Wade Designs, where each piece of fabric transforms into a harmonious blend of vibrant hues, exquisite shapes, and evocative sentiments.

EARLY LIFE

A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Hope is the fourth of five children for her parents. During her childhood in Jamaica, she attended Vaz Preparatory School and the Convent of Mercy Academy (Alpha). In 1982, Hope migrated to the United States where she studied art and advertising design at New York City Technical College. Following that, she received a full scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design and photography at the Cooper Union College in New York.

Hope has demonstrated outstanding leadership and excelled in various creative disciplines, including fashion design, graphic design, poetry, and acting. She has received numerous awards for her artistic endeavors and community involvement.

In June 2023, Hope received the Woman of Achievement Award from Rockland Business Women’s Network. In May 2021, she received the first Woman of Distinction Award from the New York State Assembly,

recognizing her exceptional leadership in Rockland County, where she presently lives and runs her business.

GETTING STARTED

“I’m a self-taught designer,” says Hope, “but thanks to my graphic designer education and skills, I can sketch anything professionally for my clients. Panic sets in because I have to translate what I sketched in a timely manner but that’s where I lean on the Holy Spirit to guide me.”

Though she was not formally trained in fashion design, Hope has always been around fashion. Her father, then a superintendent of police, Eustace “Gussie” Blake, had won many contests during the annual celebration of Jamaica’s independence. Her mother, the late Mavis Blake, traveled in the summer and brought back summer clothes for Hope and her siblings so they were always decked out.

“I would say fashion came for me. After I finished college, I was recruited for a job in Brooklyn. After a year, the company I was working for sent me to manage a trade show in Chicago. I was very successful so when I returned, the president told my boss that he wanted me to be trained to take up another position. About three

months later, I was doing very well, or so I thought, but my boss called me to his office and said, ‘they’re grooming you for my job.’ In the end, he fired me. At that time, I was around 24 years old. I knew what he did was wrong, but I felt like I was up against Goliath.”

After losing her job, Redeeming Love Christian Center, the church that Hope attended, was hosting a formal event. Hope had planned to buy a dress for the occasion but had limited funds since her rent had to be paid. She had to find a solution, so she asked one of her friends to visit her to be her mannequin. Soon, she was using her mother’s sewing machine to make an outfit. Thankfully, her mom was available to guide her.

“During that season, I started working as a car salesperson and I liked the whole interaction of selling to people. I remembered a couple of my clients would say, ‘you attend Cooper Union College, why are you selling cars?’ I was selling cars during the day but when I got home, I managed my sewing business.

“After the birth of my daughter, I decided not to work but instead focus on raising her. Around nine years later, my creative

Photo Credit: Archives of the White House

juice kicked in when an opportunity came knocking. I went to Jamaica and a friend introduced me to Kingsley Cooper, the founder of Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW).

“Eventually, Mr. Cooper reviewed my portfolio and invited me to participate in CFW. The memory of when I first participated in CFW will always stay with me. It was hard but I learned many valuable lessons. I would say hats off to Mr. Cooper because he understands the industry. After that, there was no turning back for me.”

Hope’s designs graced the runway of CFW from 2011 to 2013 and 2015. Following each event, Hope received significant

coverage and her designs were on the front page of several major newspapers in the Caribbean as well as on TV programs, nationally and internationally. She was also featured in Vogue and Hudson River Valley magazines.

THE HOPE WADE BRAND

In 1991, Hope established Hope Wade Designs, a fashion company with the slogan “If you can describe it, I can design it.” Today, Hope is still unleashing her creativity on the world. She has the uncanny ability to blend traditional and modern to produce bold, one-of-a-kind designs with a timeless allure. Hope is known for using burlap (crocus bag) and the colors of the Jamaican flag and bandana fabric in her couture designs.

“I would describe my brand as eclectic, elegant, and different. My only guarantee to my clients is you will be seen. Every designer should find a niche, and in my case, I do over the top pieces. I create clothes that have commercial appeal, but I think clothes must also be functional.”

A journey into Hope’s creative realm is nothing short of breathtaking. The innovative designer has the innate ability to breathe life into fabric and seamlessly transform it into a work of art. “My inspiration comes mostly from the fabric. I can look at the fabric and instantly know what I want to make with it.”

Hope has dressed some of the most influential figures around the world. She has designed gowns for several pageants— Miss Jamaica Universe, Miss Jamaica World, and Miss Intercontinental Jamaica. In 2018, Hope Wade Designs created the gold beaded gown for Khadijah Robinson, Miss Jamaica World, which she wore in the Miss World Pageant in China. “When my name was called as the designer, it was like a dream. I started crying. I saw my dream coming to life on an international platform. It was an awesome moment and humbling, also.”

In June 2019, Pulse Management, in partnership with Fashion One TV in Nigeria, extended an invitation to Hope Wade Designs to present the company’s exceptional designs as a distinguished master designer at CFW. That same year, for the inaugural Designer Retreat for Designers of Color, Harlem Fashion Row, in collaboration with NIKE, selected Hope Wade Designs as a featured participant.

Rock and Roll icon and Grammy Winning Artist Darlene Love is a fan of Hope’s designs. The singer first wore a gown that was made by Hope Wade Designs when she performed on the final Christmas episode of the David Letterman Show. The red silk flute gown was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in 2017. Darlene also wore one of Hope’s exclusive designs for former President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama for the Gospel Tradition TV performance at the White House.

Photo Credit: Soulful Entertainment

“For over 20 years, I have been working on the gift that God has given me. Through the rough times and the good times, I have been diligent, and I think that’s why my business has been successful.”

ROCKLAND FASHION WEEK

“The concept of Rockland Fashion Week incubated in my mind for four years before it finally materialized. I have done London Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, and Caribbean Fashion Week. I live in Rockland County and a lot of stars live here. People who are great makeup artists and stylists. I wrote my plan and sent it to my niece Hannah Campbell who likes to travel with me. She reviewed it and before long the first Rockland Fashion Week occurred in December of 2019.”

ADVICE TO YOUNG DESIGNERS

“My advice to young designers would be to perfect your craft and find a niche. Find what makes you stand out, a style that’s uniquely yours. Like with anything in life, be patient. It may take years, but if somebody can recognize your brand then you know you have succeeded.

“Don’t listen to the naysayers. There’s always going to be somebody who says that has already been done, nobody’s going to notice you. You can’t listen to

those people. Listen to the voice that keeps you up at night, the voice that keeps pushing you to dream bigger. If you continue to work diligently, eventually the doors will open. Sometimes, the doors open quickly but at other times, you may have to wait a long time.”

GIVING BACK

Hope’s impact extends beyond the realm of the fashion industry to other domains. She is a philanthropist who has done many charity events with organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the Haitian American Nurses Association.

Currently, Hope is the President of Alpha Academy Tri State Alumni Association, New York, that raises funds to provide scholarships for students. Also, she is the President of the Jamaican Civic and Cultural Association of Rockland (JAMCCAR), a board member of Cooper Union Alumni Association, a board member of Arts Council of Rockland (ACOR), and a member of the Village of Nyack Business Council.

“It is in giving that you receive so it’s important to give back. When you are able to open a door for somebody else, do it. That’s that person’s life blood. A person’s life can change completely because you open a door. If everyone gives back, then you wouldn’t have so much suffering in the world.”

OTHER INTERESTS

Hope is married to Paul Wade and they are celebrating 24 years of marriage. Their union produced a daughter Jasper who recently graduated from Syracuse University.

“I enjoy hanging out with my family. I like to dance, entertain, and travel. Also, I like to write poems, although I haven’t written any poems in a while but that’s something I like to do. I’m an ordained evangelist so I minister the Word of God every opportunity I get.”

STAYING GROUNDED

asthmatic, so we were aware that nobody could go near her room. That was a very challenging time.”

“I have to stay grounded because the gifts and talents that I have come from the Lord. I’m aware that every morning I wake up, it is the grace of God that keeps me. I have aspirations, but the grace of God keeps me humble.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

“I would like to start a foundation for women by the end of the year. A lot of women give their lives to their children and their families, and they put their dreams on the back burner. Also, many of them, after their children have left home and are doing well for themselves, feel bitter because they believe their opportunity never came. My foundation will help these women revive their dreams.

“The second thing I want to do is open a factory where people can have their clothes made by designers.”

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, I almost died. Also, my husband was in the hospital for seven days. My daughter is hopewadedesigns.com

Photo Credit: Cornelius Vick

ELEGANT. TIMELESS. IMPRESSIVE.

Brianna Angus

A YOUNG MODEL ON THE RISE

by Ann Marie Bryan

Building a successful modeling career requires commitment and discipline as the modeling industry is competitive. Notwithstanding, the opportunities for young models can be rewarding and the advantages can far outweigh the disadvantages.

VBD Magazine sat down for a chat with Brianna Angus, a young American-born model who is enjoying the vocation. It is easy to see why she was picked up by a top agency. With her timeless beauty and naturally stunning features, she’ll undoubtedly slay on the runway as she works towards making her dream a reality. “What I like most about modeling is the versatility it gives me in my photoshoots as well as my fashion style,” says Brianna. “I feel like a new person each time I get the privilege to do a shoot. My intention is to use my talent to tell a story with each picture that is taken.”

GETTING STARTED

Brianna’s exquisite look makes her a refreshing change on the modeling scene. She first became interested in modeling when she was around age 6, having been inspired by her mother.

“Growing up, I adored how my mother dressed, and I played dress-up in her clothing. When she dressed me for church and school, everything from head to toe usually matched perfectly.

“Over time, I started to watch America’s Next Top Model, and especially during the summer when I watched nonstop. Tyra Banks inspired me as well as Naomi Campbell. I was inspired by their humility and posture as models.”

Brianna officially started her modeling career four years ago when she was signed with Gray Models and Talent. “I got to where I am today because of God’s grace and prayer.”

LESSON LEARNED

“The most important lesson I learned since being in the modeling industry is not to get big headed. As a rising model you can have a great appearance such as a pretty face, nice body, or perfect

height, but there are still skills to work on so don’t get too comfortable. Work on the areas that will help you advance in the industry.”

ADVICE TO ASPIRING MODELS

The biggest priority of aspiring models is to get their modeling portfolio in front of the right agencies. Nevertheless, with the advent of so many social media platforms, getting discovered has never been easier.

“My advice to aspiring models is to have confidence. Your confidence is what defines you. Do not worry about what others think of your appearance, as long as you feel comfortable in your own skin that’s all that matters. Remind yourself that you deserve a seat at the table.

“Make sure that your portfolio makes a great first impression on agencies and clients by using a professional fashion photographer. It’s important to know the kind of images you would like for your model portfolio before the shoot. Seek professional help, but you can also practice by taking pictures using a phone or camera. Take pictures in different clothing and hairstyles and post often on your social media pages so photographers, makeup artists, and creative directors can see your versatility. Once you show your creativity, others can picture what you would look like in their brands.”

ENTREPRENEURIAL PURSUITS

When Brianna is not busy doing photo shoots, there’s nothing she loves more than working on her entrepreneurial endeavors.

“I have a hair styling business, Yardie Locs. I retwist and style locs, and I also do twists on natural hair. I like this area of business because it’s therapeutic for me. I stumbled across this talent in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

CHALLENGING TIMES

“The way I ensure that I thrive during challenging times is by fasting and praying. God always provides the answer. He hears my cry. He’s my way maker, and my helper in times of troubles, trials, and tribulations. God never failed me, so I trust Him too much to give up.”

FUTURE PLANS

While Brianna is focused on expanding her modeling career, her immediate priority is to finish her studies. “Currently, I’m studying to become a dental hygienist. My goal is to graduate and work in the field.”

DESIGN VICTORIOUS BY Love ZONE

Photo credit: Jeremy Wong

TheCelebrationWedding

by Pastor Danyelle Scroggins

What are the chances that you would be having a wedding and all of a sudden Jesus shows up? Now, I really want you to think about what I am asking you. What if at the very place you pledged to love, cherish, and honor someone through sickness and health until death do you part, Jesus is in the room?

As I pondered over the thought myself, I realized that this may be the very reason that I have been married twenty-two years. Jesus was in attendance and called by us. I used the word called because if you study the book of John, you’ll find that both Jesus and His disciples were called to the marriage.

I have a full understanding of this word called because it is the justification of my surrender. However, I recognize that there is a distinct difference in being called to versus called for something. Stick with me, I am definitely going someplace with this.

Called to is the act of being summoned to fulfill an invitation or the request of your presence. Yet, called for marks a summons where an act, a need for fulfillment, or a need for a service is present. In simple terms: you can call me to something which only requires my presence but if you call me for something, it requires me to act.

It is my understanding that Jesus and His boys were someplace chilling and enjoying the festivities; meanwhile, His mother is at the wedding taking inventory. She noticed a need, and called for Him in hopes that He would supply it. I realize that in all my years of living, like Mary – Jesus’ mother, I never call Jesus to anything except I have a need of Him or can visualize a need for something.

Both Reynard and I had been divorced. I requested Jesus’s presence at my marriage

because I did not want to make what I viewed as another mistake. I did not want to marry again and then turn around and break the vow. Good people, a wedding celebration is about more than you getting social media ready and creating the perfect photo shoots. It is where you, before spectating people, make a vow to another human before God while both making a commitment to God. You invoke His presence so that He, and the guest, will hold you accountable for the vows you have decreed. I believe that due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of God’s principles for marriages, people are leaping into marriages for the wrong reasons.

There is no way I could know there is doubt in my mind and still pledge to be with someone through good (no sins) or bad (the worst sins). It would be foolish to commit this act in the presence of Him and others, just to be doing it for the clout or to say, “We’re married now.” It is those three words that you will need to remember as you navigate those tests.

As I delve deeper into the scriptures, I want to expound a little further. Mary not only called to Jesus for a specific cause - they have no wine - but she had an expectation. Oh, I can spin this in a lot of ways because I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have sat at a wedding and thought, “Jesus, these folks need you because they have no concept, support, or awareness of what they are doing.” They lack the discernment—that this celebration is not a we-just-want-todo-this show; and neither is it a means to keep someone that may not have been theirs in the first place.

Jesus, like most folks whom you may call to, gave her a simple response. “Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come” (John 2:4, KJV). Say what you will, but if Jesus was like my brother, he’d probably tell His mother, “Mind your business and I am going to

mind mine. This is not about me and my capabilities, this is about whether those two people will allow me to perform a miracle in their marriage, but I will only come when they call, not you.”

Yet, just like my mother would probably do, Mary still puts the act in motion. She tells the servants, “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it.” (John 2:5 KJV). Have you ever wondered why your mother gets so insistent at your wedding celebration? She is mimicking the most phenomenal mother you or I have ever heard of – Mary. Like a good son, Jesus does what He is called for

Remember, marriage is a celebration, but the celebration will not last long if you do not understand that there will always be a need for something. Some needs you will instantly uncover, while others lay doormat or unspoken until the tests materialize. As I said before, “We’re married now” are three words that mark you for the tests and the lessons.

We know that God never tests us, but the devil certainly does. We also know that all things work together for our good if we love God; so, whatever test comes, that is a test by the devil. God can however invoke His will, changing our situation into one of our best outcomes. So, when you say those three words know that the bullseye is now on your back. You are now officially a part of the crowd who will need to call to and call for Jesus.

Oftentimes, others will see what you need in your marriage before you do. Why? Because you are sometimes too close to the situation or caught up in the celebratory state to notice what is lacking. Don’t worry. Just remember that if Jesus is called to the wedding, He will make Himself available to be called for the marriage. And whenever you call to Him about anything concerning your marriage, expect Him to come through.

LIVING, LOVING, AND THRIVING

Michael & Phyllis Crenshaw

MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL

by Kerry-Ann McPherson

Happily married for 36 years, Michael and Phyllis Crenshaw are brimming with practical advice and strategies for maintaining a successful marriage. They are also ministers of the gospel in Huntsville, Alabama at the People of God Ministries, where they have been pastoring for eight years before they began their traveling ministry.

At an early age, the couple accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior at Zion

Hill Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Here, Minister Michael received his calling into ministry as a deacon and then pastor. The dynamic couple watched their parents serve in ministry faithfully and decided to follow in their footsteps. Traveling to Tulsa, Oklahoma, they attended the Rhema Bible Training Center where they met people from all over the world who had a heart and desire to serve God. This had a tremendous impact on them both, and as such, their hearts and vision were broadened to think globally about the things of God.

VBD Magazine is delighted to share our interview with the Crenshaws. Learn about their love story, get tips to strengthen a marriage, and obtain insight into their journey as ministers of the gospel.

VBD: Who inspired you to become ministers of the gospel?

MICHAEL: It’s difficult to single out one person that inspired me to enter the ministry although there were many great men of God that encouraged me with their lives and their teachings along the way. Men like Rev. J.L. Garrett,

Rev. P. C. Reevers, and Rev. Anthony Nabors were instrumental, but I have always had a calling to preach and teach God's Word. It was just a matter of me reconciling my will to be obedient to that call. I have been preaching for 36 years.

VBD: Why did you establish People of God Ministries?

MICHAEL : The purpose of People of God Ministries is to:

1. Encourage believers with the Word of God.

2. Reach and equip those outside of the body of Christ through evangelism and discipleship.

3. Teach the fundamentals of faith, and

4. Demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our name is derived from 1 Peter 2:910 and our determined purpose is that men may come to know Him. We offer leadership, marriage, and singles seminars.

VBD: What memory stands out the most from your wedding day?

PHYLLIS: We have been married for 36 years. We got married in December and what stands out about the wedding day was the gathering of the family. Everyone was already home for Christmas, and it was just a joyous occasion of love, family, and fellowship.

VBD: What is one social activity that you like to do together?

PHYLLIS: We love traveling together. We want to travel to every continent and so far, we have been to Europe and Asia. We enjoyed visiting Central America. We are looking forward to seeing more of God’s creation.

VBD: What are some ways to strengthen a marriage?

MICHAEL: First and foremost, make God the foundation of your relationship. Keep His Word as your guideline in every situation. God told husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and He told wives to respect their husbands.

Above all, we must walk in the God kind of love in our relationships, for it is the only way to have true success in marriage. We are always encouraging people to com

municate with each other as it is absolutely important to a successful marriage.

VBD: What advice would you give to a couple who is considering marriage?

PHYLLIS: To anyone considering marriage, we recommend keeping God first. Allow Him to be a part of the process even before you get to the altar. This is the one and only sure-fire way to maintain a successful marriage in a confused world. Jesus must always be a part of every equation in our lives, and we should always do everything in light of the Word of God.

VBD: What inspires you to write, and what message do you hope readers will take away after reading your books?

MICHAEL: I have always desired to be an author and enjoyed writing even from my youth. Writing is one way to leave a lasting impact on the generations to come. The books that I write will speak long after I am gone, and in my opinion, this is the benefit of a book. The Bible was written many years ago, but it is still the bestselling book of all time and is still impacting lives today. All of my books are Christian self-help books. I have written four books: Thirty Days of Joy, There is Always Room for Improvement, The Power of Revelation , and How to Keep the Thrill in Your Marriage.

Of the four, I would like to focus on The Power of Revelation. In this book, I teach on the importance of having a revelation of God. Revelation is greater than information and you can only go as far as your revelation will take you. It is the size of your revelation that determines the size of your faith. As to what inspired me to write this book, I believe I can say that in my years of preaching and teaching the gospel, I have met many people who love God, love His Word but could not seem to grasp the true understanding of certain subjects. This is where revelation kicks in. Paul prayed in Ephesians 1 for God to give the church at Ephesus a spirit of wisdom and revelation that the eyes of their understanding would be enlightened. Revelation knowledge floods our eyes with understanding not just information.

VBD: What challenges have you had to overcome?

MICHAEL: One of the main challenges I had to overcome was myself. Doing what needs to be done even when it is not convenient. Realizing that I could accomplish more if I only applied more perspiration with my inspiration. I had to get a "revelation" that there is a price to pay when one is attempting anything great for God and mankind. The devil will do anything to cause you to procrastinate or to be distracted. In a day where distractions are everywhere, one must be determined to stay focused on the assignment they have received from the Lord.

VBD: What’s next for you?

MICHAEL: Of course, more books are in our future. Also, an expansion of my podcast entitled Encouragement for Today to reach more people with the ministry of encouragement. We also intend to extend our ministry to more continents, such as Africa and South America.

Unsplash

Photo by: Jeremy Wong

Let it Go!

by Dr. Velma Bagby

June is one of the most distinguishable months in the year because it is associated with marriage and celebrations of love. A lot of work and attention goes into a one-day event, but… marriage is so much more than a quick ceremony, even though a marriage ceremony is exciting—from the walk down the aisle to the highlight of the event when the couple says the words “I do.” These are all easy steps to marriage because what requires more attention is the preparation each person completes long before the ceremony. Since God instituted the marriage union and later taught that this union shows the marriage between Christ and the church, we know there is a purpose in it. Therefore, with the decline in marriages, we who are married must help others see what God envisioned, and it will require more work than a one-day event.

The waiting period, before you meet your special someone, is the perfect time to do this work. Your goal is to present the best version of yourself to this person. If the intent is to build a healthy, blessed, lifelong marriage, this work is crucial. During this time, focus on being productive: accomplish your goals, complete

God-given assignments and tasks, serve in your assigned ministry, and work on areas in your walk as a believer. Scripture describes the tool used to run towards your goal, it says “Lay aside every weight…” (Hebrews 12:1, KJV) To do this, you must assess your experiences, past hurts, bad experiences in your past, the pain of exes, and more, and work to unload them so that these weights do not affect the good that’s coming. A runner who runs towards a goal carrying baggage cannot run. It’s time to let it go

I associate carrying weights with being a rotten apple. Place an apple with a rotten spot next to a good one and soon the apple that wasn’t rotten will also develop a spot. To not work on yourself before meeting your mate, and because of your unresolved issues—weights—the person who was once a good potential mate, will no longer be—because your rotten spot infected them. Weights from your past can also affect your ability to assess a potential mate properly and result in your choosing incorrectly. Weights can also reveal poor self-worth and if your opinion of your self-worth is low, it can affect your choices.

Isn’t the love of your life worth receiving your best? Then, take the time during your waiting period as an opportunity to get rid of weights.

You show how serious you are about discovering your mate through your efforts to prepare for him. The question to ask isn’t, when will he or she arrive? Are you doing anything to fix the things in your life that need to be taken care of before he or she comes? Forgive those who hurt you in the past. Are you sure that you have completed all the tasks God requested of you for your ministry before they arrive? Then, after God confirms your readiness, with a clear heart pray as you await his/her arrival.

As you can see, by taking time to work on yourself early, to let it go, we hope to see a higher rate of blessed marriages because more couples will lay a firm foundation for marriage before their mate’s arrival. These couples are prepared, so they can become one and operate in unity and agreement. More unions, like what I described, will give singles purpose, and hope for the same blissful life they witnessed, showing them it’s possible.

Love Is In The Air

by Ramona Powell Dennis

It’s that time of year when love is in the air, when couples express their love for each other by joining in holy matrimony.

It’s a time for love.

It’s a time of joy.

It’s a time of commitment.

It’s a time of celebration. The sweet smell of love is in the air. You see it in the blooms of the floral arrangements. You hear it in the songs that softly play in the background. You feel it in your heart as you watch the smiles on all of the faces. Can you taste the sweetness of the rich butter cream, Silky and smooth, melting on your lips?

Can you hear it in the love songs being played as they profess their love to each other?

Can you see it as they dance together for the first time as husband and wife?

Love is in the air; kisses are soft and sweet. The aroma of Happiness, Joy, Gentleness, Patience, Meekness, Humility, Kindness, and Sensitivity fill the space. The intoxicating fragrance of love is in the air. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in Slowly release it and relish in the sweet aroma of love

Photo by: Amy Shamblen

VICTORIOUS BY DESIGN Inspiration OASIS

Tracala L. Hibbler

REDEFINING SUCCESS AND MOVING FORWARD

by Kerry-Ann McPherson

Tracala Hibbler’s life took a 360 degree turn while she was attending computer science classes in college and realized it was not the field for her. Instead, she studied business administration, took an entry-level position in human resources, fell in love with the field, and never looked back. Today, Tracala is a distinguished human resource professional with over 20 years of experience and a dedicated entrepreneur who loves to help others.

VBD Magazine sat down with Tracala to get the inside scoop on her journey, her entrepreneurial endeavors, and the keys to her success.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

After working in human resources for 2 years, Tracala realized that was the profession for her. “I was determined to work my way up the ranks,” Tracala discloses. “I enjoy helping people whether it’s coaching them through career development or assisting with conflict resolution. I am especially passionate about employee relations. I like that I am making a difference in a person’s life, directly or indirectly.”

ENTREPRENEURIALLY DRIVEN

While pursuing her career in human resources, Tracala responded to the ever-present urge to carry out her entrepreneurial pursuits. In 2022, Tracala and her sister started Faith and Hope Candles, a small business selling soy wax candles and wax melts.

“Candles are popular and versatile products useful for relaxation, mood-setting, and home decor. My sister and I love candles and thought it was only right that we make our own. It has been an exciting and challenging journey, but we are delighted to create unique and high-quality products that cannot be found anywhere and that our customers love.

“In my free time, I enjoy managing the business’ website and social media pages, creating new products, and finding opportunities to be a vendor at various events throughout Georgia and Mississippi.

“As a human resource professional and a small business owner, I have learned the importance of effective communication, time management, and attention to detail. These skills have helped me in my career and my entrepreneurial ventures. I believe that my diverse background and experiences have equipped me with a unique perspective that I bring to every project I work on.”

CHALLENGING TIMES

Juggling the demands of work and school was not easy for Tracala. “There were times when I felt overwhelmed and on the brink of giving up. However, my faith in God and my belief in His Word gave me the strength and resilience to persevere.

“My faith in God always brought me through challenging times. Also, I seek support from friends and family, practice self-care activities such as exercise or meditation, set realistic goals and expectations, and focus on personal growth and learning opportunities.

“One of the significant challenges that I battled were feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, which made me believe that I was not competent enough to perform my job efficiently. However, I refused to let these negative thoughts hold me back and decided to take action by enrolling in a master’s program in management with a concentration in Human Resources in 2016.

“Through consistent prayer and meditation on scriptures like Philippians 4:13, which reminds me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and Psalms 139:14, which affirms that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, I was able to overcome my doubts. The challenges enabled me to grow and develop the confidence and resilience needed to succeed in life.”

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Tracala makes it a habit to set boundaries between work and personal time, prioritizing activities that are important to her, and practicing self-care.

“Self-care for me includes going to the spa for massages and facials at least once a month. Work-life balance looks different for everyone and may require adjustments over time.

“Reading is my favorite pastime. I have been doing it ever since I could read. It’s an excellent way to relax and unwind after a long day, improve my cognitive function, and increase my empathy. Reading also allows me to experience new perspectives and ideas, which can be especially valuable in today’s increasingly interconnected and diverse world.”

IN THE FUTURE

“Personally, I will continue my faith walk with Jesus Christ. Professionally, I plan on working towards my HR Certification and growing Faith and Hope Candles.” faith-and-hope-candles

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