RBY Magazine: March/April 2023 Edition

The journey to creating RBY Magazine has been an act of faith and a labor of love. In 2016, ByPublishing e-magazine was released and RBY Magazine as a digital newsletter. Therefore, this has been an ongoing project and has been rebranded to reflect a new direction.

Every person selected for this launch issue has added a grace to this magazine that I will forever be grateful for. Thank you to every participant, subscriber, and reader. A special thank you to Elizabeth L. Williams, at Harmony Branding Company, for helping me create RBY Magazine and bring it to life.

Your work is phenomenal and your friendship will always be valuable.

My prayer is that every person is blessed by something they read, something they see, or a connection they made. We are all here for a purpose; thus, I hope this inspires you to reinvent yourself and never stop growing.

KEEP REINVENTING YOU

By Rhonda Branch Yearby

“My motto: A cat has nine lives! GOD has given me 999 lives to reinvent myself repeatedly! I give him all the GLORY! If he did it for me, He will surely do it for you!”

-Rev. Dr. Rhonda Branch Yearby

R

einventing yourself means making

significant changes to your life. It is a challenging and intimidating process, but it’s worthwhile because it will bring about tremendous growth and fulfillment.

What Is Self-Reinvention?

When you reinvent yourself, you eventually become a new and improved version of yourself.

Your reinvention may include changing your career, ending unhealthy relationships, adopting new habits, or finding a new sense of purpose or meaning in life. It is about breaking out of your comfort zone and taking control of your life.

Reinvention is a powerful concept, and it is something that many people strive for in their lives.

Whether changing careers, starting a new hobby, or simply taking a different approach to life, the possibilities for

reinvention are endless.

People Who Have Successfully Reinvented Themselves The stories of Oprah Winfrey, JK Rowling, Nelson Mandela, and Martha Stewart are all examples of how radical reinvention is possible at any stage of life and often leads to enormous success.

Oprah Winfrey Oprah Winfrey, who began her career as a local news anchor and eventually became a successful talk show host, media mogul, and philanthropist, is a shining example of how reinvention is possible. By dedicating herself to her craft and taking calculated risks, Oprah has reinvented herself countless times, becoming one of the most celebrated icons of today. Her hard work and determination has paid off; she is now admired by millions around the world as a leader in business, media, philanthropy, and education.

JK Rowling JK Rowling, who began her career as a struggling single parent on welfare and became one of the most successful and celebrated authors of all time, is another example of how reinvention is possible. She faced rejection from multiple publishers before finally getting the opportunity to publish Harry Potter, which became one of the most successful book series of all time and a successful movie franchise. Her story inspires anyone who has faced rejection and struggled to achieve their dreams.

Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela spent 27 years imprisoned for his activism against racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa. He became the country’s first Black president. An icon of democracy and social justice, he is a shining example of how reinvention is possible. His story is a reminder that even with the worst of circumstances, there is always hope for a better future.

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart’s reinvention story is an inspiring one. After a difficult period in her life that included a series of high-profile legal issues, Martha chose to focus her energy on rebranding her business and reinventing her public persona. She began by launching a successful online content platform that allowed her to connect directly with her audience and create and distribute a range of highquality informational videos, podcasts, and articles. Martha also increased collaboration with other lifestyle and home brands and developed many different product lines. Additionally, she launched the weekly talk show Martha Stewart and Friends and her own 24/7 SiriusXM radio station, Martha Stewart Living Radio. Through her demanding work and dedication, Martha has been able to successfully reinvent herself and continues to be a respected and successful entrepreneur.

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Reinvention is a Daunting Process It is a necessary step toward self-discovery and growth. And it is an effective way to learn new skills, discover new passions, and achieve tremendous success in life. Change allows you to break free from the constraints of your past and create a new future. So, whether you are looking to change careers, start a new hobby, or take a different approach to life, remember that reinvention is possible and, with a bit of perseverance, will lead to tremendous success.

How Did I Get Here?

This is a question you may be asking yourself right now. When did you realize you require reinvention?

The process of reinvention is challenging but understanding how you got to this point will ensure that you make better decisions for the future. So, here are a few questions to ask yourself to help you figure out how you got to the place of need to change:

informed decisions for the future. It’s also vital to remember that everyone’s journey is different. You cannot make a mistake. There is no set way to reinvent yourself. The most important thing is to practice radical honesty with yourself, have patience, and be kind. Remember that reinvention is a process, and it takes time.

With self-awareness and determination, you will make the changes you need to live the life you want. Understanding how you got to a place of needing change is an essential step in reinvention.

By asking yourself the right questions, you will better understand your current situation and make more informed decisions for the future. Remember that everyone’s journey is different, and taking your time is okay. Be kind to yourself and do not fear seeking help when needed.

– Falling into unhealthy habits or patterns of behavior such as smoking, overeating, or procrastination.

• Unhealthy habits or patterns

• Lack of direction – Feeling lost or without a sense

of purpose in your life.

– Feeling exhausted, stressed, and unmotivated due to work, family, or personal responsibilities.

• Burnout

• A change in values or priorities – Having a

difference in your values or priorities and wanting to align your life with them.

start over and create a new chapter in your life.

• Lack of authenticity – Not feeling true to yourself

and wanting to live more authentically.

• Financial struggles – Struggling financially and

wanting to make changes to improve your financial situation.

life?

• Boredom – Feeling bored or uninspired with

• Do I feel stuck or like I am not living up to my full

It is important to remember that reinvention is a normal part of life. Everyone on the planet goes through changes and challenges. It is human nature to want to improve yourself and your life.

However, it is not unusual to get so caught up in the routines of daily life that you forget to reflect on how you got to where you are. After answering these questions, you will better understand how you got to the place of needing to change, making it easier for you to make more

current life and wanting to update and improve your personal growth and development.

• A desire for a fresh start – Feeling the need to

• What has been happening in my life recently?

• Are there any major changes or transitions?

• What challenges or obstacles am I facing?

• How am I feeling lately?

• Am I feeling unfulfilled or unsatisfied with my

potential?

• Do I deal with negative thoughts or feelings often?

• Are my relationships strong?

• Are there changes or conflicts in my relationships?

• Do I feel disconnected or unsupported by my loved ones?

• What are my values?

• What are my priorities?

• Do I put my well-being and happiness on the back burner?

• Do I neglect my passions or interests?

• Do I focus too much on material possessions or external validation?

• Do I genuinely take care of myself?

• Do I neglect my physical, mental, or emotional well-being?

• Do I engage in self-destructive behaviors?

• Personal growth – Feeling unfulfilled with your

your current life and wanting to experience new things.

• Social isolation – Feeling lonely or disconnected

from others and wanting to build new relationships.

• Health concerns – Having health concerns and

When to Reinvent Yourself There are many separate times when it’s appropriate to consider reinventing yourself. For example, you want to make changes after experiencing a major setback or failure, or you realize that your current life is not bringing you the happiness or fulfillment that you desire. The need to reinvent yourself is something you feel from yourself and not something you do due to the pressure of others.

You may need to reinvent yourself during many distinct phases of life, such as: • Career dissatisfaction – Not feeling fulfi lled in

your current career or wanting to pursue a different career path.

• Life changes – Going through a major life event

such as a divorce, losing a loved one, or moving to a new city.

wanting to make changes to improve your physical or mental well-being.

• The need to challenge yourself – Being in a

comfort zone and wanting to push yourself to step outside of it.

Changing yourself through a process of reinvention requires self-discovery and growth, and it often begins with simply recognizing the need to make changes in your life. — Dedicated to my beautiful friend who passed away in July of 2021 and whom encouraged me to always keep Reinventing Me!

Read more in Rhonda Branch Yearby’s book: Reinventing You.

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Your Purpose is Your Appointment!

In case you did not know the graveyard is full of purpose.

I am sure that was not God’s intent for the precious gift He gave each of us, unselfishly, when we were in our mother’s womb. That’s right, you have had it all this time. Jеrеmiаh 1:5 (NLT) ѕауѕ: “I knеw уоu bеfоrе I formed уоu in your mоthеr’ѕ womb. Before you wеrе bоrn, I ѕеt уоu apart аnd арроintеd уоu аѕ mу рrорhеt tо thе nаtiоnѕ.”

So why do so many miss the opportunity to fulfill their destinies and God’s divine plan for their life? Don’t we realize that we are all a part of a bigger plan?

Your purpose is your appointed part and it is what you were created to fulfill it is your Original Blueprint. I would like to share with you a glimpse of my eleven-year journey which birthed “It’s Time to Uncover Your Original Blueprint” which is biblically based and resulted in my physical manifestation towards living my best life on purpose. This book has truly been a gift that changed my life.

Early on in my journey through conversations with many of my friends and colleagues, I was surprised to find out that many were experiencing similar things at this time in their life. How wаѕ it possible thаt we аll ѕееmеd to be аt thе ѕаmе place in оur livеs fееling аѕ thоugh we had lоѕt our ѕеnѕе of рurроѕе аnd identity? At firѕt, I fеlt a ѕеnѕе of relief соmе оvеr me bесаuѕе I knew thаt I wаѕ not bу mуѕеlf. Immеdiаtеlу after thаt, though, I was sad because in that mоmеnt I wаѕ sure thаt thiѕ рrоblеm was biggеr thаn wе were. It made me wonder how mаnу more were unаwаrе of their struggle with thiѕ epidemic as well. And thаt is when mу mind started wаndеring; thinking аbоut аll the реорlе, mеn, аnd wоmеn alike, who have lоѕt sight of thеmѕеlvеѕ. Hence, in my experience and research, I uncovered this epidemic I coined Passive Assimilation. What is, раѕѕivе assimilation?

Pаѕѕivе Aѕѕimilаtiоn iѕ аn Unѕроkеn SILENT Eрidеmiс .

Let’s review the definitions of these words: passive Aссерting оr аllоwing what happens withоut асtivе rеѕроnѕе or rеѕiѕtаnсе. assimilate Tо bесоmе like something; tо mimiс or copy Therefore, pаѕѕivе аѕѕimilаtiоn iѕ tо mimiс оr сору something (оr someone) withоut rеѕiѕtаnсе in оrdеr tо bесоmе likе it (them). It iѕ аlѕо a silent epidemic one in whiсh a реrѕоn gеtѕ lоѕt in ѕоmеоnе еlѕе’ѕ drеаmѕ, аѕрirаtiоnѕ, аnd рurроѕе whilе ѕасrifiсing thеir own. In thе рrосеѕѕ of doing so, thаt реrѕоn’ѕ sense оf ѕеlf-wоrth ѕhrinkѕ оr diѕарреаrѕ. Unfortunately, thеre are times the реrѕоn doesn’t recognize what iѕ taking place. Others, however, dо rеаlizе but choose tо be silent.

Thоѕе of uѕ whо are ѕilеntlу раѕѕivеlу аѕѕimilаtivе uѕuаllу maintain that silence for оnе оf twо rеаѕоnѕ: 1: Wе аrе too embarrassed tо tell аnуоnе. We bеliеvе wе аrе alone— that wе аrе the оnlу оnеѕ with this problem whеn thе rеаlitу iѕ that fаr tоо many оf uѕ аrе in thiѕ ‘bоаt’.

2: Wе wiѕh tо аvоid confrontation аt аll соѕt—еvеn whеn thе cost is ѕо ѕtеер and ѕо personal. Whilе the рrоblеm оf раѕѕivе аѕѕimilаtiоn iѕn’t аlwауѕ ѕеvеrе, ѕоmе оf us hаvе never bееn taught the imроrtаnсе оf carving out оur оwn еxiѕtеnсе оr tо understand thаt еасh оf uѕ were сrеаtеd fоr a uniԛuе ѕеt of purposes. On the other hand, somewhere аlоng thе way wе have fоrgоttеn the importance оf our individuаl еxiѕtеnсе аnd thе importance оf living thе life wе wеrе created bу God tо livе bу bеing thе реrѕоn he destined uѕ tо be.

Bоth our individuаl рurроѕе аnd mаrriаgе, аrе imроrtаnt tо Gоd, ѕо it оnlу mаkеѕ ѕеnѕе thаt in hiѕ infinite wisdom he gave us thе роwеr to еnjоу and succeed in bоth. Evеn knowing this we are ѕtill left with thе ԛuеѕtiоn of whу, in a relationship, dо we often fееl the nееd tо givе uр оnе in оrdеr tо hаvе thе other, only tо lооk in thе mirror оnе dау wоndеring who wе are and whеrе оur fоrmеr ѕеlf-wеnt? When еxасtlу did it happen and whу did we lеt it happen?

What were once ѕimрlе ԛuеѕtiоnѕ to аnѕwеr in thе раѕt, аrе nоw hаrd fоr уоu tо answer in the present, such аѕ: - Whаt do уоu like tо do?

- Where wоuld уоu likе to gо?

- What wоuld уоu likе tо hаvе?

- Whаt wоuld уоu like tо be?

- What аrе уоur dreams fоr уоurѕеlf?

At least thеу аrе hard tо answer whеn it comes tо уоurѕеlf. But not ѕurрriѕinglу уоu probably have аll thе answers tо these questions for others (ѕроuѕе, children еtс.), but nоt for уоurѕеlf. Taking it a ѕtер furthеr, уоu рrоbаblу hаvеn’t fully givеn these questions muсh thоught in rеgаrdѕ to you. Let’s dig deeper and shine a light on YOU! Read more in my book, It’s Time to Uncover Your Original Blueprint.

Visit www.SonyiaGraham.com Page 8 | RBY Magazine

Sister, Sister!

By Constance Barron-Wilson

True Sisterhood is not an act! It’s the lady next to you that always has your back. It’s more than the pearls or curls that she wears to label her sister. It’s her integrity, character, and untiring support, that holds her true to her magnificent role. It’s her willingness to sacrifice a part of herself, to promote the best in you.

Our sisters are special. Sisters hold a sincere ear to hear and a heart to confidentially guard what is important to you. She is forgiving, merciful and kind. However, she is not above telling you what’s on her mind. She is more than a confidant, she keeps it real! She tells you what you need to know, and not what you want to hear. She’s not about tearing you down; but she exercises wise judgment on how to build you up. She is a treasure true, and will be there just for you, including when you are feeling down and blue. She has a strong shoulder to lean on and she won’t let you cry alone, she will hold your hand and tell you that, “WE WILL BE STRONG!” She is not trying to judge you, or esteem herself higher than you, but she is inspired by you and grateful for your success! She is your biggest cheerleader and protector too, she will remind you when it’s time to pull back and focus on just you. She will secretly pay for that spa day, and keep a close check on you to make sure you are ok. She loves to see you SOAR, so who could ask for much more! —

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10

Reasons To Begin Authored By Dr. Sabrina Castle

The most important thing to remember when you are beginning again is to remember “WHY”.

Having a WHY will keep you motivated and focused on the reason you want and need to begin again. Starting over can be scary, refreshing, liberating and sometimes absolutely necessary and lifesaving. New beginnings can be very adventurous and downright confusing at times, but your WHY will keep you focused and motivated to continue.

Understanding that you can begin again is very important, because sometimes we get stuck in complacency and forget that we have the power to move on and begin again. Beginning again gives us a clean slate to try it again. Don’t get stuck on the failures, but focus being able to try again.

Here are 10 reasons to consider when beginning again: #10: Revive Dead Dreams - Beginning again gives you a new strength to try again. This time you will put in more effort to make it successful. This time you won’t allow distractions to cause you to lose focus on what you were purposed to do.

Reviving your dreams will give you back your sense of drive and purpose, so that when you think that I did it 3 times and it is still not working, your mindset will be, “I must keep going,” “I can do this, I have to do this”. #9: The Bounce Back – You may have started out not understanding what was happening in your life and why, but once you get the understanding, then you can bounce back to where you were. Because where you were when you started, was a place of peace, of love, of joy and you allowed yourself to get too far gone, and now you have come to yourself and you are better than you were before…welcome back!

#8: To Get to Know Yourself Again – You once were afraid of failure and didn’t have the confidence you needed, but when you started over, you learned that failure is growth, starting over doesn’t mean you failed. Remember with God all things are possible.

#7: Build Your Trust in God Again – Beginning again helps you to realign your trust in God. When you use to speak before talking to God, and you ended up in bad situations. Now, you realize that God can help and that everything does not require an explanation and that God has the answers to all of our questions. Trusting HIM can and will always be life changing. #6: Forgiving Yourself – Mistakes are made, people hurt us and betray us, but once you understand that not all things come to break us, but to make us stronger, you will forgive yourself for not leaving the first time, for not telling someone you were being hurt and for not speaking up when you saw something not right going on. Once you begin again and understand that you are a different person now, forgiveness will truly come, and then you can move on. #5: Build Better Habits – A fresh start is a great way to embrace change. Rebuilding your life can help instill healthy and positive habits that will encourage growth emotionally, physically and financially. #4: Time of Reflection - Before starting a new chapter in your life, you have to reflect on where you came from. Using previous experiences and a learning opportunity and looking at what went wrong then, can be used as the foundation of your new beginning to not do those things again. Reflection helps you gain a new perspective on your life in the present and in the future. #3: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone – Stepping out of your comfort zone to experience new things is a great reason to begin again. This will allow you to operate in your new found freedom in trusting and believing in yourself that you can do it!

You may contact Dr. Sabrina R. Castle for speaking engagements at 903-421-4183 or email at drsabrina@sabrinaRcastle.org

#2: You Are Worth It – You are worth giving yourself another chance. You are worth changing your thoughts, your actions, your environment, your situation, your job, your relationships. You are worth all of the effort it takes for you to try again. The same

Read more in her book New Beginnings: 30 Day Devotional

courage it takes for you to leave behind what is not for you anymore, is the same courage it will take to help you find your way to what is for you. You can do this, you are worth it!

#1: Self-Care and Self-Love is the Number One Reason to Begin Again You might be in a situation or relationship that is not healthy, and you need to understand that it is ok for you to leave or remove yourself from it, because you love and care about you! Not to say that you don’t love or care about the person you are with, but if they are not treating you right mentally, physically, financially or even spiritually…IT IS TIME TO BEGIN AGAIN!— Page 10 | RBY Magazine

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“Today you may wear bright colors or change the style of your hair. Tomorrow you may change up your look. It doesn’t matter whether you are adorned in glitter or conservatively dressed in a suit, you can confidently wear more than one look.”

1. Every time you get

2. Be aware that someone is always

dressed up, remember

paying attention. Your spouse, your

that you are leaving the h o u s e re p re s e n t i n g yourself, your family, your business or workplace, and ultimately God! Can

children, your employees, co-workers, church members, and those in your community. Although, you may like what you have on, should you really have it on? Always do a mirror check, a spirit check, and mind check. As a co-

you win people to Christ

pastor with my husband at Pilgrim

or go to church in that

Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Va, I

o u t f i t ? Ca n y o u d o business in that outfit?

often ask myself these questions and check my heart, my mind, and my spirit before I walk out the house.

@FromMe2U on Facebook

3

TIPS

with Lady Wendy Cooper Fashion Stylist & CEO of From Me2U Boutique

I’m More Than One

LOOK

3. You deserve to feel and look beautiful! It doesn’t matter who likes the colors, a p p ro v e s o f y o u r s t y l e , compliments your hair, or like the jewelry you chose to wear.

You are a representation of God FIRST, then YOU. If you aren’t convicted, let people think what they want. For true believers, conviction will come when we are wrong.

For example, there was a woman in my church who used to wear short skirts. Her siblings would talk about her all the time to their mother about it. Her mother would tell them not to worry about what she is wearing because if she keeps seeking God, that skirt will come down! — Page 12 | RBY Magazine

Dr. Shenequa C. Miller Custom Home Builder. Professor. Prayer Warrior. Influencer.

Dr. Shenequa C. Miller is the President of SCM Integrity First LLC, a custom homebuilding company and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is a graduate of Capella University with a Doctorate in Education, Lamar University with a Masters of Education in Administration, Amberton University with a Masters of Science in Counseling, and a graduate of Dallas Baptist University with a Bachelors of Art and Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Psychology and Child Development. Currently, she is a professor teaching graduate courses in Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Psychology along with her custom home building career. She and her college sweetheart, who has served as a Dallas Police Officer for over 30 years, just celebrated 31 years of marriage; hence, they have built a family empire with their four beautiful children and two granddaughters.

In 2019, Dr. Miller had the same dream, two nights in a row.

In the dream, God told her, "This is your land and these are your homes." From that vision, she knew God had a plan for her related to construction. Using the initials of her name and the words that describes her best, she started SCM Integrity First Companies, LLC completely on faith.

Soon after, she visited her hometown of Gilmer, Texas and decided to drive through the neighborhood where her father, James Easley, resided when she was younger. Surprisingly, the neighborhood had changed drastically! Empty lots with tall brush, boarded homes and some needing that needed to be demolished, replaced what she remembered as a child.

She knew at that moment what God was telling her in her dream. She believed she had been called to revitalize the community she grew up in and that was near and dear to her heart. Using her life savings to purchase one lot at a time, Dr. Miller acquired enough lots to build over 30 homes within the community.

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March 1st is Now Dr. Shenequa C. Miller Day in Gilmer, Texas!

Dr. Miller hired a builder to build the first 3 homes and learned a wealth of information! As a result, her focus became providing affordable new custom homes to revitalize and help people. Dr. Miller takes pride in helping others and knew that homeownership was the best way to start generational wealth.

In addition, she convinced her daughter to get involved by enrolling in real-estate school. She passed the exam on the first attempt, which was confirmation of God's promises to her as His faithful servant. Her two son's joined the company full-time in 2022. Her company is completely family owned.

“My company has evolved and I now take on renovations and high-end custom projects.”

Her presence in Gilmer, Texas has been so impactful that she is being honored by the City of Gilmer for her contributions to the Vinegar Hill community and the city itself. Hence, she is being presented with a key to the city with a proclamation that March 1st will be Dr. Shenequa C. Miller Day in Gilmer, Texas. She gathered with family, friends, associates, and community leaders to commemorate the occasion!

Overall, she attributes all credit to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thus, she believes that her success would not be possible without God. Through her obedience in listening to instructions from the Lord and taking steps of faith, she is able to testify that God is more than able to use us for His glory.

Dr. Shenequa C. Miller’s story highlights the power of hard-work, determination, and the power of having a vision.

She stated, “I have always believed in holding the door open for others to walk through; however, I consider myself blessed that I can now build doors too.” It is apparent that she is able to build these doors both spiritually and physically for those who encounter her workmanship and Godly counsel.

More barriers will be broken and more success is to come for Dr. Miller and SCM Integrity First, LLC. —

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HAPPY WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

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FAITH IN

HOLLYWOOD The Success Story of Germany Kent

After a year of career breakthroughs, advocate and women’s empowerment ambassador Germany Kent is making an impactful difference. A hall of fame media entrepreneur and industry trailblazer, Kent recently received the Shero of the Year Award from Two Lifestyles Inc. Women’s Empowerment, a leading California nonprofit.

The award is given to a member of the Los Angeles area community who has given her time and talent to Two-Lifestyles Inc., the local community she serves, and beyond the state of California. An active civic and community leader, Kent has volunteered with multiple nonprofits, and is dedicated to empowering women, providing volunteer efforts, media opportunities and mentorship to youth.

Kent has been a staunch defender and advocate of human rights and is the recipient of numerous national and international awards for her humanitarian work and literacy efforts. The noted activist and media personality has received global recognition for her exceptional work as a humanitarian. Kent has received the Global Philanthropy Award from Empower Magazine and a Humanitarian of the Year Award from the International Trailblazers Awards.

Kent, known for being an expert collaborator, has signed on with By Publishing founder Rhonda Branch Yearby for an international anti-bullying/ cyberbullying campaign. In their bestselling book Women of Faith: Their Untold Stories Revealed Teen Edition on Cyber Bullying Prevention. Hence, two high-profile women joined forces to bring attention and awareness to this global problem.

With a flourishing career, Kent is a respected voice, especially through her wise quotes which are used around the globe. She has been named by The Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the Powerful Women Making A Difference in Los Angeles.

Kent’s portfolio also consists of work covering the entertainment industry as a correspondent as a staple on red carpets and exclusive A-list events where she has interviewed a diverse roster that reads like a “who’s who” of entertainment titans. As a masterful grassroots journalist who never meets a stranger, Germany has reported on the most important and most talked about news stories of our time.

Germany served as a FOX news anchor and producer during the pandemic writing, producing and sharing content on COVID-19 and businesses making a difference in the community. Kent has also served as a talk show host, anchor, reporter and radio host in Los Angeles.

Broadcasting Convention in Atlanta. Not long ago, Kent was selected to host the Global Christian Professional Women’s Association Conference in Myrtle Beach, alongside headliner Anne Graham Lotz, the late Billy Graham’s daughter.

In 2022, Germany worked as the Chief Media and Marketing Officer for Najah Roberts and Crypto Blockchain Inc. based in Inglewood California. In that position Germany secured celebrity endorsements and managed local and national press including features in print, radio, and television. Germany also worked on publicity for The Black Wall Street, a joint venture Roberts created with acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Hill Harper.

Also in 2022, Germany managed content curation and publicity for the radio program Ahead of The Crypto Curve, which airs daily on Tavis Smiley’s KBLA 1580 talk radio station. Kent also directs publicity and publication as a media owner and publisher for Star Stone Press, an award-winning public relations, image consulting and publishing agency.

Kent’s platform as a social media influencer expert and trusted media pundit has garnered the media personality features in media outlets including Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, The Dallas Morning News, Parade, Yahoo, MSN, Bloomberg Business, Reader’s Digest, HuffPost, and NPR, to name a few.

For her extraordinary career and being a cultural influencer, the Mississippi native has received recognition in the Mississippi Senate from Gov. Tate Reeves. She has also been awarded her own “Germany Kent Day” in her native Greenville. Kent went to college at Mississippi State University, University of Alabama, and the University of Southern California.

In 2022, Kent was selected to the Board of Directors for All Cops Ain’t Bad, a national nonprofit organization that aims to develop trust and strengthen police and community partnerships. Recently Kent was recognized for her commitment to ensuring the health and welfare of those in need and hailed as an inspiration by United States Senator Dianne Feinstein.

When asked how she does it all Kent had one word: God. “I give thanks to God in all circumstances. I am about Kingdom business, Kingdom building with a Kingdom agenda. I know and believe that all things are working together for my good,” said Kent. “I trust God and put all of my confidence in Him. He directs my path and whatever assignments He gives to me, I try to respond in obedience.”—

“Live your life in such a way that you’ ll be remembered for your kindness, compassion, fairness, character, benevolence, and a force for good who had much respect for life, in general.” ― Germany Kent

Page 18 | RBY Magazine

BE A BOSS!

Dear Rhonda,

TO PASTORS & LEADERS

How do I forgive?

You shepherd a church looking to you for leadership and spiritual guidance. Your days are packed with innumerable opportunities to influence and communicate God’s Truth. So why, with your busy job and maxed-out social calendar, would you ever want to take the time to write a book? Glad you asked!

The Bible has a lot to say about forgiveness. In the New Testament, Jesus

Here are some valid reasons every pastor should consider writing a book: ‣ Writing a book can increase the audience your message can reach ‣ Your message isn’t “cut-short” or minimized by a preaching clock ‣ A book is another way to pastor your church … not everyone is an auditory learner ‣ You will leave a legacy beyond your years ‣ A writing project can deeply motivate and get you up in the morning ‣ Writing will significantly expand your sermon repertoire ‣ For more reasons to consider…visit RevDrRhonda.com

BY Publishing is a division of Rhonda Branch Yearby Ministries was created to come alongside pastors, church leaders, faith - based organizations and the Christian community to help with everything from writing ideas, ghostwriting, public relations to distribution and marketing. Get started today and contact me about our pastor discounts. We produce best-selling authors.

teaches his disciples to forgive others as a way to show mercy and to receive God’s forgiveness for their own sins.

Try this short practice once a day and feel your forgiveness muscles growing.

Think of someone who has caused you pain (to start, maybe not the person who has hurt you most) and you’re holding a grudge against it. Visualize the time you were hurt by this person and feel the pain you still carry. Hold tightly to your unwillingness to forgive. Now, observe what emotion is present. Is it anger, resentment, or sadness? Use your body as a barometer and notice physically what you feel. Are you tense anywhere, or do you feel heavy? Next, bring awareness to your thoughts; are they hateful, spiteful, or something else?

Really feel this burden associated with the hurt that lives inside you, and ask yourself: • Who is suffering?

• Have I carried this burden long enough?

• Am I willing to forgive?

If the answer is no, that’s okay. Some wounds need more time than others to

7 Steps to Grant Writing & Funding 1. Start a 501-3c 2. Identify the need for your Church or Community

heal. If you are ready to let it go now, silently repeat: “Breathing in, I acknowledge the pain. Breathing out, I am forgiving and releasing this burden from my heart and mind.” Continue this process for as long as it feels supportive to you.

In the book of Matthew, Jesus says, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses”

3. Recruit Volunteers and Start Fundraising Campaigns

(Matthew 6:14-15).

4. Prospect Research

In the book of Colossians, Paul writes, “Bear with each other and forgive one

5. Create a Grants Calendar

another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord

6. Put what you learn into action by connecting with a Grant Writer

forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).

I hope this helps you on your journey to healing and success.

7. Identify legal start-up information for your state Page 19 | RBY Magazine

MEET MAXI DUNCAN

The Rise of a Tennis STAR

At 18, Maxi was the #1 ranked African American national female tennis player for the Girls Senior Class of 2021 college recruiting class. At age 8, Maxi made her first appearance on the courts of the “Pete Brown Jr Tennis Program” with her dad who is her tennis coach, Gerald Duncan, a former Pro-Basketball Player and Sports agent. Now as a young adult, Maxi’s 10 years as a volunteer, youth motivator and team player, she shares, she is selfless and she brings professionalism and an unmatched work ethic to the program. She is a ray of delight, with an endearing quality and will play with anyone on any level for the love of the game. Now, Maxi is a student at Harvard University making history as a rising tennis star on a full ride scholarship. Her hard work and determination is inspiring youth and adults alike.

Follow her success story through Harvard sports pages and remember the name Maxi Duncan when you think about the future of our young adults, she is helping to make it bright! https://www.pbjtp.org/maxi-duncan-pete-brown-junior-tennis-program/

Page 20 | RBY Magazine

It’s Time to Brand Update with PROFESSIONAL pictures 1. Selfies are not professional.

2. Blurry pictures are not professional.

3. Over-edited and over-filtered pictures are not professional.

1 Does your website reflect you or underrepresent you?

2

Have you had the same logo, pictures, or flyers for YEARS?

3

Does your business/nonprofit look or feel outdated?

4 Does your project reflect the vision you had in mind?

5

Are you throwing things together on your own? Then it probably looks thrown together.

4. Hire a PROFESSIONAL photographer.

Update or Build a PROFESSIONAL Website 1. Most people research you before they do business.

2. Websites should be informative, simple, and easy to navigate.

3. Websites should have multiple pages rather than stuffing everything onto one page.

4. Make things available online and integrate all your platforms.

Update Flyers, Press Releases, logos, and book covers 1. If it looks outdated, people will consider YOU outdated.

2. If it looks unprofessional, they may consider YOU unprofessional.

10 Tips to Consider

10. Communicate like a professional. How you communicate in writing should refl ect

1. Protect your success

your intelligence. Over-using emails or text

2. Protect your peace

can become unprofessional. SCHEDULE

3. Be more responsible with your money

INSTEAD! Communicate using correct

4. Streamline “simplify” how you run things

grammar and a plethora wisdom. Getting or keeping clients will become difficult if they are offended or underwhelmed

5. Use apps and online services

with your professionalism.

6. Keep your personal business private 7. Make people pay for your time 8. Don’t give away your intellectual property for free 9. Dress and Behave differently. Your clothes should refl ect the direction you’re going in and your ATTITUDE should refl ect the professional you are.

www.HarmonyBrandingCompany.com

www.SCMIntegrityFirst.com

A Special Thank You Dr. Shenequa C. Miller our Feature Story Elizabeth Williams at HarmonyBrandingCompany.com Germany Kent Constance Barron-Wilson Dr. Sabrina Castle Lady Wendy Cooper Maxi Duncan Sonyia Graham All Subscribers, Readers, and Supporters! We thank you all for contributing to RBY Magazine.

RBY Magazine RevDrRhonda.com