Summer 2014 issue

XCELLENCE SUMMER 2014

IN THIS ISSUE:

MS. MELODY HUBBARD INTRODUCES 3F FORMULA

HOW IMPORTANT ARE YOU TO YOU? LEARN THE VALUE OF YOURSELF

SMALL TOWN AMERICA

ELECTS FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN MAYOR MR. WILLIAM “BILL” RAWLS JR.

COMMUNTIY MAGAZINE

FOUNDERS XPRESSION FROM THE PUBLISHER Sizzle Into a New You

Nothing takes the edge off like enjoying the sun, vacationing with family and friends, and taking care of things that you never get around to handle. At the top of the list, should be YOU! Take the time this summer to re-discover YOU! Life can become overwhelming and if the proper steps are not taken, you’ll find yourself taking a backseat to your dreams and goals in life.

I want to encourage YOU to know and believe that your dreams and desires are important. No one wants to support others in fulfilling their dreams as theirs is dwindling. It doesn’t require a lot to get started, it just take a willing heart and determination. It’s worth the investment to take the time, and there’s no time like the present time. What you been thinking is now ready for the next level, called preparation that will ultimately leave to manifestation.

I often times hear Xcellence mentioned as “Women of Xcellence,” Yes! Women of Xcellence are one of our divisions, but so are Men of Xcellence, Sons of Xcellence, and Daughters of Xcellence. Our company is a reflection of the entire community. I am making a declaration to every man that reads this issue, We Need You! We want others to know, that there are MEN whom have committed themselves to our cause as well! We want others to believe that their story has the ability to inspire and uplift humanity.

Without inspiration, the best powers of the mind remain dormant.

There is a fuel in us which needs to be ignited with sparks.

– Johann Gottfried Von Herder There’s a young boy that need to know that he is on the right track and what he has learned is ok or not ok and what he needs to learn can yet be achieved. There’s a young girl that need to know that she is beautiful, loved and adored and that respect is not an option. You, my “Man of Xcellence” have the ability to do just that. Why not start today?

For more information of how you can get involved and partner with Xcellence, please email me at: angellabanks@xcellenceinc.com

Serving Yours in Xcellence, Angella Palmer-Banks Founder & President

Angella Banks

http://www.facebook.com/xcellenceinc

FOUNDER/PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Audra Buchanan

CO-FOUNDER/VICE-PRESIDENT

Courtney Pettigrew

http://twitter.com/xcelbizgrp

CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Monica Dunnagan

NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

http://www.xcellenceinc.com

CONTENTS FEATURES ANGELLA BANKS

LEAVING YOUR LEGACY

BY MONICA DUNNAGAN

SIZZLE INTO A NEW YOU

THE VALUE IN TAKING CARE OF YOU

BY AUDRA BUCHANAN, B.A., CPC

MS. MELODY HUBBARD THE 3F FORMULA

CONGRATULATIONS

MAYOR WILLIAM “BILL” RAWLS JR.

TUMELO LETSWALO

LET YOUR FAITH BE BIGGER THAN YOUR FEARS

CONTRIBUTORS

Monica Dunnagan

Maria House

Consultant, Dunnagan & Consultants, Author

Family Law Attorney

Ainya Flournoy

Quiana Rockette

Owner, Glitz Fairy

Owner, Star Pageants

FEATURED SMALL BUSINESS

Meet the Sanders

NEW IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT “Creating value for a better ARTIST”

This husband & wife team has been in the music industry for a combined total of 30+ years. They are owners of Atlanta based company, New Image Entertainment, which houses a booking agency, artist development, management, and social media marketing services.

New Image Entertainment has been in operation since 2009 and caters to high-profile celebrities such as Tony Terry, Ronnie Terry, Vivian Greene, Adina Howard, Fantasia, Keke Wyatt, Glenn Jones, Tommy Ford, Cherrelle, Chubb Rock, Dana Dane, and Howard Hewett just to name a few.

The couple’s passion for the music industry, and their desire to help independent artists, inspired them to start hosting their own radio show. Their mission is to use the show as a platform to educate independent artists on how to be successful in the music industry.

The show “New Image Industry Smarts” airs every Sunday from 7PM to 11PM EST. on Jamm America at www.jammchicago.com.

For more information about this couple, you can visit their website at www.newimagemgmt.com

The Value in Taking Care of YOU As the aircraft takes off, the pilot’s main instructions to the passengers is, “In the event of turbulence and the air masks is released, secure yourself and put on your mask first before assisting the person next to you.” At times our first inclination is to always help others first. While helping others is admirable, it can take a toll on an individual if there are no boundaries. It’s in these critical times, that one is reminded, that in order to save others, they must save themselves first.

Recognizing the value of self-care is the first step towards truly loving yourself. Balance is the key.

One thing that I have learned is that when you continue to make personal withdrawals of your time, energy, and finances without making any deposits, you will eventually burnout. To prevent burnout, which can easily lead to depression, here are some helpful suggestions:

• When it feels wrong, don’t do it • Say exactly what you mean • Try not to be a people pleaser • Trust your instincts • Never speak badly about yourself • Never give up on your goals & your dreams • Don’t be afraid to say “NO” • Don’t be afraid to say “YES” • Learn how to be kind to yourself • Let go of what you can’t control • Stay away from drama and negativity Dr. Phil made a statement years ago, that has resonated with me to this very day. He said, “We train people how to treat us.” We give people permission to treat us with respect or disrespect, simply by the way we treat ourselves. Moving forward, let’s all make a sincere effort to take better care of ourselves so that we can help make a positive impact in the lives of others.

-Audra L. Buchanan, B.A., CPC

SHE IS...

Have you ever looked in the mirror and asked yourself “who is she”?(meaning who am I?) I’ll be the first to admit, that at times the way I view myself can be clouded. I’m sure there are other young ladies who can relate. Our view points of who we are become blurred by many things.

Things like what others think about us, our own personal emotions based on what we’ve been through, and the need to be like everyone else.

It’s so easy to lose sight of your true identity as a woman, especially a young woman. It takes time to fully understand who you are and what your purpose for living is. Everyday women are faced with the pressure to be the perfect wife, mother, student, ect. I could go on and on, but no matter what title you carry there is always a level of perfection women feel they must meet.

Feeling forced to dress a certain way, and look a certain way. Women work daily to be seen in a positive light, whereas younger ladies just want to make it through the day and be considered normal. We worry about the length of our hair, the amount of makeup we put on, all the way down to how high our heels should be.

Why do we focus on these minor things? It has become everyday worries and concerns, at the expense of other more important aspects of life. Young ladies focus more on what people perceive of them, rather than being who they really are. We adjust what we look like to be appealing to men, rather than simply allowing our looks to reflect our likes and dislikes. Ladies have simply forgotten or don’t recognize who SHE IS... Living to please and take care of others, has left us neglecting ourselves.Doing things like spending less time writing our visions, ignoring Gods cry for our attention, and allowing men to make us compromise our worth. A quote

from a known poet reminds us that “a woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. she goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself”. - Maya Angelou Your personal experiences in life help you to understand who SHE IS. I’ve grown to understand that SHE IS... free, SHE IS confident and bold for Christ, SHE IS powerful because she has vision.

SHE is blessed because without her there is no favor. SHE IS anointed to take action despite the circumstances. Pure, elegant, sophisticated, and strong while being herself. SHE IS woman!

Melody

Hubbard

Born to win and destined for greatness, Melody L. Hubbard is a visionary, empowerer, and true entrepreneurial spirit!

She dedicates her life to helping others build an empire and create the life of their dreams. Melody’s philosophy is “in order to have what you never had, you must do what you have never done.” This mindset was the catalyst that inspired Melody to launch her women empowerment blog Fierce Fearless Free.

The mission of Fierce Fearless Free is to empower WOMEN to FEARLESSly live the life of their dreams, and look FIERCE doing it! Her objective is to help women achieve “whole” wealth: spiritual, mental, physical,

and financial wealth, the highest level of wealth. Moreover, her passion is not only to help women attract whole wealth, but also to encourage women to accept the responsibility of being positive role models to our daughters and every little girl that is observing near and far.

Melody has a strong human resources background.

She holds a Bachelors (2007) and Masters (2011) of Business Administration from Tennessee State University. She also has a Professional Human Resources Certification (PHR). Each day she competes with herself to touch more and more lives and to be a better woman than she was the day before.

3F Formula

Melody L. Hubbard introduces the

Ladies, one thing you must know- It’s not only your turn, it’s your time! Time to occupy leadership roles, hold executive positions, launch entrepreneurial ventures, and enjoy financial gains. It is no longer acceptable to sit back and let men have all of the fun!

However, to make a shift in the universe, you have to rearrange things. In order to change your assets, you have to change your mindset!

I know you’re wondering, “Who IS she?” Let me explain. I am Melody L. Hubbard, a motivator, visionary, speaker, and writer. Likewise, I am a mentor, coach, networker, fashionista, and entrepreneur. I am a sister, daughter, and friend. I am fierce, fearless, free...I am YOU! There is a fierce, fearless, free woman in each of us!

My purpose is to pour into the lives of women all over the world by helping them develop the mindset necessary to walk in their God-given purposes. Blessed with the gift of speech, it is my words that will initiate a tremendous shift amongst women from mentality to money.

“Purpose”, is the catalyst behind my “Fierce Fearless Free” blog. The mission of my blog is to empower WOMEN to be financially FREE, FEARLESSLY create the life of their dreams, and of course, look FIERCE doing it! In all that I share, I honor my vow to be transparent with you and give valuable information to take your lives and businesses to greater heights.

Ladies, the success I am referring to requires us to get uncomfortable, conquer our fears, and do what is necessary to have the desires of our heart. The most successful people had to fail forward. They had to eliminate self-sabotaging actions, make ultimate sacrifices and cast down doubt. The most frightening thing to do was let go of some things and some people! “In order to have what you have never had, you must do what you have never done.” I applaud all of the small business owners featured in this issue for stepping out on the water, having the faith to overcome fear and become successful business owners! God bless you. Please, subscribe to my VIP Mailing List and receive a free gift! (fiercefearlessfree.com) This blog is going to water and nurture your entrepreneurial spirit, and ultimately increase your harvest. So, plant your feet and square your shoulders!

WE ARE ABOUT TO PUSH THROUGH!!!

Mid-year Check-up on your Small Business

By Maria House

Top leaders hire auditors to make sure all aspects of the business are profitable and effective, and you should do the same regardless of the size of your small business. Applying large-business concepts to your small business is not as difficult as it seems— and not applying time-tested tips may hurt you in the long-run. This assessment can guide your business plan changes and transform your implementation procedures. From that point on, your improvements can transition into the areas that help your business grow, which in turn, make your clients happier as well.

When conducting a self-review, analyze all aspects of your business, but especially make sure you:

1. Review your record keeping.

While it may not be easy to reinvent your record keeping if you haven’t kept up all along, a proper record keeping system has many perks. Hiring a private freelancer to take on this task for you may be a worthwhile investment if you lack the time or organizational skill set to do this on your own.

2. Review your decisions.

The assessment value you’d gleam from having this done can point out to you whether some form of marketing was more effective than another, whether a certain client was more profitable to you than another, and whether your business is pursuing activities that actually cost you money rather than make you money, etc.

3. Review your staff and employees.

Your staff and employees—are they effective? Do your clients like them? Do they speak highly or poorly of you when away from the office? Do they enjoy their jobs or are you’re a stepping-stone for them?

Are they motivated? Do they waste time throughout the day?

4. Review your practices.

It’s important to consciously make decisions about your direction and how you plan to pursue that path.

Take a brutally honest look at why you made certain decisions regarding how you conduct business.

What was your motivation? Are you producing the product that your clients want and enjoy? Are certain processes sticky and cumbersome? Is there something you are doing that slows down your efficiency? Are you in an industry where the best practices are already established? Or are you inventing the wheel? Are you learning a business mistake personally or learning from some other company’s mistake?

5. Review how you’ve thanked your best customers.

The time to thank your best customers is always, not just at a holiday time. Reach out and show appreciation.

Thank the one who have used your company and also the ones who sent you referrals. It takes a village and you are a part of that village. Repeat business comes from those clients you’ve made happy and their referrals. Give back. Reach out. Appreciate.

WHERE DID THE DAY GO?

By Maria Luchsinger

Is your productivity level down? Are you having a hard time deciding what should be done first every day in your small business?

In order to make your day more productive, here are some tips from Brendon Burchard, motivational speaker and business trainer: ê When you start work in the morning, DO NOT check your email first. Brendan says,

“Your inbox is the place where people go to post their agendas.” ê First, make a priority list of what has to get done today, who you absolutely need to speak

to, and who you are waiting to hear from. ê Look at your top three projects and list what needs to be done with each of them. ê Ask yourself what is the most important task that you must complete today, and then give

it priority in your work list. ê When you do check your email, look for responses from the people you were waiting to

hear back from. Deal only with what needs to be done now. ê Check back with your email later in the day; do not be distracted every time a new email

hits your inbox. ê Organize your workspace and agenda daily. It minimizes feeling overwhelmed the

following day, and helps you to identify where you should start.

Try these suggestions and see if you feel more in control!

You will have a greater sense of accomplishment and feel good about your day!

PREPARING FOR “BACK TO SCHOOL” AFTER SUMMER VACATION

By Sherill Rogers Davis National Youth Ambassador

Depending on your location, the Summer season is coming to an end while last minute vacations are underway. The end of the Summer season brings the start of a brand new school year with busy schedules, multiple learning subjects, teachers and adjustments. Getting a new school year off to a good start can greatly influence children’s attitude, motivation, confidence and performance. Is your child ready to succeed?

Below are a few suggestions to prepare for the new school year ahead: 1. Recap last year’s curriculum. Spend some time each day recapping what your child learned last year. This will ensure your child stays on track when the new school year returns to session.

2. Get your child to bed on time. During the summer, children aren’t always on schedule. Proper rest is essential for a productive and healthy school year. Start your transition now to earlier wake-up times and bedtimes.

3. Communicate with teachers and the school.

Contact your child’s teacher at the start of the new school year. Get acquainted with them and engage in your child’s learning. Plan to keep track of your child’s progress, subjects, homework and activities.

4. Volunteer. If possible, plan to volunteer in your child ‘s classroom at least periodically throughout the year. Participation in activities is a good way to develop a relationship with your child’s teachers and classmates. Most teachers welcome occasional parent assistance even if you cannot volunteer regularly.

5. Plan. Prepare each day ahead and for after school time to engage in your child’s school work, homework, and activities. Remove distractions.

Make it clear that education is a top priority in your family. Show interest and praise your child’s work.

Together parents, guardians and community members can help give your child the best foundation for the upcoming school year ahead.

Youth Xperience “Dare to Dream”

It is great that we are moving with Xpectation and Xcellence during this year.

The 2014 goals that have been set for our youth are being constantly achieved, worked on, and revitalized to ensure we are providing Xcellence in all that we do.

On July 26-28, our youth experienced a weekend of spiritual growth, business intellect, and summer fun in Norcross, GA, at the Y.E.A.H. Ministries “Dare to Dream Conference.” A tour of Dr. Martin Luther King’s home gave realization that regardless of where you come from, God has a purpose and journey for each of us, and if you “Dream Big” there’s nothing and no one that can keep dreams from coming true!

Xcellence, Inc. has many areas of focus that are being worked on with our youth. As a leader myself, I would like to stress the importance of servanthood and teaching our children that serving others is in fact a great leadership quality. It amazes me how just a word of encouragement or an act of kindness can lift the spirits of those around us. We are here to help and serve one another.

Servanthood brings people together to accomplish goals, set standards and push us forward in our communities. All things are possible if we believe.

We must work together in order to fulfill the vision and purpose that is given to us by God. We can wake up every day and choose to be someone great. This same attitude of giving, serving, and helping others is what we are at Xcellence. We instill those core values and principles in the youth we work with. It is all of our job to train, educate, and help those coming behind us to become successful through our teaching and mentoring.

Our 2015 Youth Conference will be held in Atlanta GA on June 25-27th. Call 1-888-983-1672 x 710 to get details on registration. Slots are filled on a 1st come basis.

Article Contributed by: Quiana Springfield-Rockette

DREAM BIG My name is Aniya Flournoy, and one day I dream of being a lawyer.

I have constantly been asked what I want to be when I grow-up.

I believe that you can be whatever you want. As long as u put your mind to it, you can do it. I also believe you can dream as big as u want! You can live in a small town/ city and end up on top of the world pursuing your dreams. Sometimes I just dream and think how I want my future to be and sometimes when I dream each one is different.

I like dreaming about how I want my future to be, but I can also make my future my present. I like hearing what other people would like to be when they grow up also!

I just wanted to tell that you could dream as big as u want, there’s no limit to your dreams!

Sincerely,

Aniya

Kaiya Hamilton To classify Kaiya Hamilton into a single genre of music would not be easy. She sings everything from Gospel to pop music. Kaiya Hamilton was born to Sharon and Patrick Hamilton in Greenville, NC. Kaiya’s family is very musically inclined and her mother discovered that she could sing at an early age. By the age of 5, Kaiya was singing with her family and by herself. At approximately 7 years old, she began singing with her church youth choir, as well as her school chorus.

This phenomenal singer admits that her shyness has always been a challenge, but she consistently works through it to follow her passion for singing.

When Kaiya was 13, her mother decided to put her in a pageant to help with her shyness and to get her daughter some exposure. The pageant led to a solo role in the stage play “Behind The Pulpit” written & directed by David Payton. Talent manager Tony Sanders of New Image Management approached her parents, and after a couple of meetings they believed New Image Management was a good fit for Kaiya and signed a management contract. Kaiya’s family made a huge sacrifice and decided to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia to be closer to the management company and the music scene. Now 16, you can find Kaiya taking vocal lessons, in artist development classes, and performing at local events. The singer’s desire is to be a role model through songs that are age-appropriate and relatable to teenagers and adults alike.

www.theartistkaiya.com www.facebook.com/ theartistkaiya

@theartistkaiya

Congratulations Mayor Rawls

rd a w For

ied r r a C By Generational Blessings are Angella Palmer-Banks On Tuesday, July 8, 2014, the City of Brownsville, Tennessee, swore in its First African-American Mayor, Mr. William “Bill” Rawls, Jr. The small rural community of Brownsville sent a strong message that it was ready for “CHANGE.” The election was won by capturing 65% of the vote.

The small town is very familiar with the family name “Rawls.” Mayor Bill Rawls Jr.’s grandfather, Charles Allen Rawls , founded Rawls Funeral Home and Golden Circle Life Insurance Company. According to Black Enterprise Magazine’s Annual Survey, Golden Circle Life Insurance Company ranked amongst the top 100 Black Businesses in the nation at one particular time. In 1986, Mr. Charles Allen Rawls broke racial barriers when he was he was

appointed as the first black board member of a local bank, Brownsville Bank. Mr. Rawls is no stranger to family, business, and community as he followed in his forefather’s footsteps by managing the daily operations of the family business, Rawls Funeral Home, which is still in existence today.

It is no doubt that this day was a historic one to Mayor Rawls and his entire family as the generational seeds sown years ago continues to thrive for the family.

Xcellence, Inc. congratulates Mayor William “Bill” Rawls Jr. on his historic win and prays that his servanthood to the people of Brownsville Tennessee will continue to inspire others to Dream the Undreamable and build legacies that will last for generations to come.

“The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” Kalu Kalu Mayor William “Bill” Rawls Jr. is the son of the late W.D. Rawls Sr. and Audrey Louis Rawls.

He has two sons Terry Jonathan Rawls (TJ) and Evan Rawls and one sister, Mrs. Donna Rawls Dancy.

Sources: www.blackandchristian.com • www.books.google.com

To My Brother, Words cannot express how proud I am of my brother. This journey, thus far, has been incredible and now the “real” work begins. Quoting, in part, Bill Jr.’s favorite poem, “If” by Rudyard Kipling, If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or, being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise; If you can dream - and not make dreams your master; If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with triumph and disaster And treat those two imposters just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to broken, And stoop and build ‘em up with wornout tools;

If

If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breath a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on”; If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch; If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you; If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And - which is more - you’ll be a Man my son!

By Rudyard Kipling

Love Donna

The word Legacy has become a common word among businesses and homes, but what I hear and see is that most individuals do not really understand the importance of their Legacy. A pastor once asked his congregations this question: If you died today, what would others say about you in one sentence? What would your Legacy be?

Now, out of all of the sermons I have listened to and all the churches that I have visited; that statement has been the one that has really driven my every step and will continue to drive my work throughout my lifetime.

I authored a book entitled “Your Legacy” and this book allows families to interact and learn from each other’s family history and what that means, while teaching their children about their own Legacy. However, it is not my book that I wish to speak to you about today. What I want you to take away from this article today, is not only A Legacy that Pastors can leave behind, but also a Legacy that Church Members can leave their Church Community.

Individuals become wrapped up into everyday living that sometimes the thought of our Legacy gets left behind, because there is simply not enough time in the day or enough change left over at the end of the work week. Leaving your legacy requires a constant effort on the part of every individual

in every family to think about our future generations. Now, I know everyone has heard the old saying; “the poor stay poor and the rich get richer”. However, there are a hand full of poor families that do rise above this old saying and there are a few Pastors that go beyond creating a better future for their congregation.

Preaching how we should live and what we should believe is one thing; creating change in our communities and leaving our legacy behind for future pastors, future families, and future communities is a whole different subject. Susan B Anthony said “Failure is Impossible”.

“Winston Churchill tells us that with each failure we find success” and “God’s Word should be our daily guide to living” but, it is through our failures and our successes that we find it impossible not to leave our legacy behind, but what makes the difference is the type of legacy we leave.

Through Xcellence, Inc. we strive to cover all areas of leaving a positive and rich life, while leaving our legacy behind for future generations. As the National Out Reach Ambassador for Xcellence, Inc., it is my 2014 goal to encourage future legacies that will change the old saying that; “the poor stay poor and the rich get richer”. Now, let me tell you how I plan to do just that.

First, we are in the process of writing Xcellence, Inc’s first book entitled “The Gathering of the Shepherds: A Call to eXcellence.” This book will include chapter after chapter of donated Legacy Scriptures from spiritual leaders from around our Great Nation. This book will leave behind a Legacy of how God’s word works through spiritual leaders, pastors, deacons, and community ministers. Can you even imagine how great

our ow ng; get nd ove ew a on. nd ng; nd rs, sa ony

ch ord t is hat acy he

it would be to have a book in your hands that inspires everyone, through the trials and tribulations of spiritual leaders? To be able to experience how each individual pulled themselves up from their low point in life and began to build the lives of others through the word of God. Most importantly, to understand the sacrifices that is made day after day, to create a better future for your children.

Awe! I cannot wait to be able to hold this type of information in my hands and devour the words of wisdom and spiritual belief that each person has to offer.

The second program allows the community to give back to the teachings and healings of their church and the community in which they dwell. Pastors that commit to offering this program to its members, will reap the benefits of church members being educated on the cost of final life expenses. Through this

ver fe, ure ch my hat oor let

ng he to ter res eat acy ual nity eat

-Monica Dunnagan

unique education, each church and member that volunteers to participate will receive a Family Care Package. Within this package, each member receives a large Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) policy with their choice of beneficiary, in addition, the opportunity to leave that same benefit with the church as their beneficiary. This program will help individuals leave a legacy behind for both their family and their Church Community.

God has led me to teach, educate, and protect individuals and their families for generations to come. Please contact me for more information on how you can become involved within these two programs. Take an active voice in what your future community should look like.

You can email me at mdunnagan@xcellenceinc.com or call: 1-888-983-1672 (ext 4)

LET YOUR FAITH BE BIGGER THAN YOUR FEARS

Here is to something that most Christians are really having a rigid time conquering, and that is fear. I want to verbalize about fear on three levels , so that I may educate you of what FEAR means. I have heard often times, that fear has an ungodly smell, and I must say I agree. However, Fear isn’t part of our being, it may knock at your door, but it doesn’t mean you have to gladly open the door and welcome it in to steal away the peace in your life. What is FEAR?

FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL The devil is one of the most direct salespersons, advocating and entrenching Fear into your life. He presents the whole ordeal in a manner that appears appreciative and yet tempting. This is what we call a trick of the enemy, as he knows how to arise anxiety and doubt, that will keep you estranged from the Will of God for your life. He wants to obliterate your personal relationship with God. He comes and sells deception and confusion so that you will take his offer instead. He walks away with a smile of victory, knowing that he has made you turn your back against your own Father, which was always his initial plan.

FORGET EVERYTHING AND RUN Fear will make you run from the one thing that you want and desire most in life. Fear makes you forget about everything, and cause you to run from verses run to. Fear causes one to feel that it’s too much to bear. People want things quick and easy. We have become accustomed to the McDonald’s fast food drive through way. Depression is on the rise, because so many people feel like failures in their lives. The enemy loves FEAR, because it causes failure of dreams, failures of faith, and failures of trusting God to deliver his promise.

FACE EVERYTHING AND RISE There are people who are tenacious, decree and declare that they will not give up, for they believe that despite whatever shortfalls that may come their way, God is going to work it out. Look at Jesus Christ! He faced all persecutions, besmirched, and denials, but he eventually accomplished his goal, which was to give ALL men and women, Salvation. However, for many, once they have faced failure once, they give up, and throw in the towel. God has destined a specific life plan for you. Therefore, if you are obstinate, faced with adversity, then you need to look deeper, and see success, even through your failures. No one was born a millionaire or billionaire.

They faced something in life (FEAR), and successfully overcame it.

Are you willing to face your most drastic fear and overcome it?

In my conclusion, I have set the mood right for you. When fear knocks at your door, never allow it to take up residence in your mind; instead speak boldly, ask fear to try next door. Perhaps he might find someone else willing to open his or her door. The Bible clearly states, we are not given the spirit of fear. Which means, that we should be so allergic to fear, that we don’t even allow it to be within our spheres of influence. As for today, let your faith be bigger than your circumstances, bigger than your debt, bigger than your losses, bigger than you doubts, and bigger than you. We are more than conquerors, and fear shall never supercede nor conquer our faith in God.

Tumelo Letswalo

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Tumelo Letswalo born at Mpumalanga, a magnificent province in South Africa within a small town called Lydenburg. I’m born the year 1991 of February 19th from a family of nine siblings, with both parents married.

I started schooling at Lesodi Primary School and went to Mashishing Senior High School, and completed in 2008. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, which I will complete this year 2014. I am the Founder, Composer, and Songwriter for Ministry of Heavenly Worshippers, in which I find delight. In addition to Ministry of Heavenly Worshipper, I offer personal and spiritual mentoring through Tumelo Letswalo Mentorship Institution for deprived communities.

I’m a motivational teacher, author, and leader by profession among many. My purpose and spiritual assignment is to reach those who feel inferior, and feel like they are estranged from God, with a message of greatness and mercy, and ultimately bring them to a point of greatness. I envision myself as an ever-evolving great minister in the eyes of God, and I trust and believe that he will reveal all his priorities for my life, if I continue to do his will and seek his face. Through my walk with God, I hope to save a soul, while steering many souls to him along the way, so that others may enjoy his goodness as well. My goal is to finish the race, by staying obedient to every command to enter the kingdom of God. Dignity, Honor, Justice, Love and Truth, I hold all these qualities dearly in my heart and soul. I pray to keep them, and abide in them. The journey in which I travel is a glorious and wonderful one. It is through this journey, that I have experienced both good and bad times; however, they are all experiences that I can help others along the way. Sometimes, a simple “hello” can cheer someone’s darkest day. There are many ways, no matter how big or small, that you can help others on this path called life. I pray that I may enhance the lives of those I meet, by helping them face demanding and challenging situations with enthusiasm and strength.

Welcome to J-Rally!

Rallying to Bring Awareness to Community and Social Causes that Matters to You! I’m excited to not only share my reflections on social issues, causes and actions, but also to share opportunities to get involved. I was introduced to community service and social issues at a young age through my mother. She would “encourage” us, (we did not have a choice lol) to participate in annual walks, fundraisers, community rummage sales, watch documentaries, and read articles.

She made sure we were educated on various issues taking place all over the world. Since that time, I have supported many movements, different causes, including breast cancer awareness, sex trafficking, anti-bullying, ending size biases, leukemia & lymphoma and many more.

One major global issue taking place is the #BringBackOurGirls campaign. On April 12th, militants seized over 270 girls overnight at a high school in the Nigerian town of Chibok, along the nation’s far northeast. This region is home to insurgent group Boko Haram, responsible for the kidnapping. According to reports, armed Boko Haram men herded the girls out of bed and forced them into trucks. The trucks then entered thick forests bordering Cameroon. Boko Haram has publicly admitted to assaulting and selling the Chibok girls as “brides” to the rebels.

According to the Wall Street Journal (2014), surveillance footage from U.S. planes searching for the abductees reported that at least some of the 219 schoolgirls still held captive haven’t been forced into marriage or sex slavery, as had been feared, but instead are being used as bargaining

chips for the release of prisoners.

I encourage everyone to get involved with local and global causes and social issues. Never underestimate your impact no matter how little it may seem! Share, spread the word...pray!! The possibilities are endless. I ask that all of you, from whatever city/country you live, to continue to march and hold rallies. Continue to call your government leaders and tell your friends. We will not be silenced. Join the worldwide movement to bring back our girls and to bring them home to their families alive! #BringBackOurGirls Sources: http://online.wsj.com/articles/u-s-planes-searching-for-boko-haramabductees-spot-girls-in-nigeria-1407263240 Article written by: Jels Malenga CEO & Founder of Auntie Jelly’s, Nashville TN Photo from: http://adrielbooker.com/bring-back-our-girls-how-you-can-help/

LS 1426 Inc. The Lady Behind the Fashion Scene Linda Scott is all about the Business!

No Games!

Linda Scott

is the Founder and CEO of LS 1426 Inc a Consulting and Special Events Company Emphasizing on the Plus Size Industry.

In January 2011, she opened LS 1426 Academy to teach the community about the fashion business.

Ms. Scott is known for consulting new and upcoming designers and models in the plus size industry. She also travels around the US empowering and teaching young ladies about the modeling business.

With her hands in coordinating and producing beauty pageants and “High Fashion” fashion shows she will not stop there. For the last five years, in South Florida, Linda have produced Fashion and Trunk shows such as Oh What a Night 2007, It’s a Different World 2008 Fabulous & Sexy 2009 and Fashion Under the Stars 2010. For 2011 1426 will host Fashion Week Nov. 9-12, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Linda is a native of Delray Beach, Florida with over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry.

She began her career in Houston, Texas as a signature model for designer, Ann Goldman.

Ms. Goldman was drawn to Linda’s grace, style, presence and her confidence.

In the 1980’s Linda signed on with May/Hills Modeling Agency, Houston. She became a familiar face on television as well as print.

She has worked with numerous top industry designers.

The Linda Scott 1426 Inc. organization implements this ideology by holding Tea Parties and “boot camps” for teens, college aged women, and adults. The camps give the participants an opportunity to learn about beauty, health, fashion, and how to love themselves. Scott believes, “Many of the problems women have with self esteem as well as heath issues begin early. If we can reach girls before self destructive patterns begin, we will see great success in their adult lives.”

AND THIS IS WHO I AM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!