Spring 2016: The Freedom Issue | Chispa Magazine

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27,000,000 SLA V ES + COUNTI NG e u s s i m o d e e r t he f

W E'RE IN IT TO END

IT

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Edit or-in-Chief Mavian Arocha-Rowe

Lif est yl e Direct or Romina Nabhen

Execut ive Edit or Mia Guerra

Managing Edit ors Paola Ramirez + Milo SenallĂŠ

Associat e Edit or Lucia Rodriguez

Creat ive Direct or Christian Ruben + Shea Trenbeath

Social Media Manager Lauri Bonilla

Direct or of Sal es Scott Rowe

Writ ers Cena Block Teresa Cutter Jennifer Grace Daniel Henderson Stephanie Loomis Chris McMahan Maggie Sabatier-Smith Brady Wilson

Phot ographers Advisory Board Johnny Arocha Pam Black Mario Luis

Redd Angelo Aaron Burden Robert Hickerson Matthew Kane Justin Luebke Sebastian Pichler David Sherry Tim Stief

Advisory Board Paola Ramirez Vivian Reina Maggie Sabatier-Smith

For information on advertising and/ or subscriptions, call 404.793.7743 or email sales@chispamagazine.com.

Editorial questions, submissions, and/ or pitches, email editor@chispamagazine.com.

Vol. 2, Issue 3 Š Chispa Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Photo credits are not given to improperly identified photos.

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EDITOR'S LETTER

n r u T s My Cr iPer a y e r to a

While at The Grove a couple of weeks ago, a young, passionate woman humbly spoke of the organization God called her to start. In its beginning stages, she confessed to not seeing how God would create something big out of the mess of her past and the mundane of her every day. ?God, you said to stick with it and you would make something big? I don?t see it,? she said. Those words didn?t just nudge my heart, they pierced my insides. You see, those words voiced my unspoken thoughts. How interesting that two years ago, at the very same place, at the very same event, God gave me the vision of Chispa. Not just the vision, but the name, the look and feel, the detailed assignment. Yet, two years later, I just don?t see it.

Where is big? The talk at The Grove continued and so much of what Pastor Louie Giglio and wife Shelley shared, too pierced my insides. Toward the end, while others sang No Longer Slaves, I was mute. I scanned the large room and listened to the lyrics come from hundreds of women. I had never heard this song. Still mute, God began to detail the assignment for the Spring Issue. He titled it, The Freedom Issue. And, He said it would be big.

He told me which writers He wanted. He told me which photos He wanted. He told me who I should interview, who I should contact, and He even told me when it should be released. As I write, today, its five days before its release date and I just got up from the floor, in my closet, after sobbing for three hours? Where is big?

In my closet, I went back to the editor?s letter that I wrote for the Winter Issue; it said: I don?t care about social media following or if I lose followers because I turn them off with the mention of the Bible. Yet, I am lying to myself. I do care if readers are reading. I do care about affirmation. I do care if I am following His assignment. Where is big? I just don?t see it.

My poor husband who just witnessed a sad, overconsumed worry-monster left to spend the afternoon with our little Rio. Before he left he said, ?Perhaps God just wants you to be a mom and a wife; I don?t know.? Those words keep ringing in my mind and with a migraine at bay I ask, ?God what do I do? Should I not want big?? Yet, yes is busting out along with my tears. Writers Maggie Sabatier-Smith wrote on freedom being a choice, Stephanie Loomis questioned what it means to be a Proverbs 31 woman, Chris Mcmahan interviewed Mahtob Mahmoody, the woman who was enslaved by her father in Iran? all stories point to freedom. We all need freedom, including me. We need freedom of fear, freedom of uncertainty, freedom of doubt, freedom of unbelief, freedom of the demons that crowd our

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Wh en I t Comes To TIM E T N E M E G A N MA I t's A l l A bout Energy Chispa Magazine

absolutely critical to how we manage our time.

Gas Guzzl er. Science shows that the brain is also one of the most fuel-hungry organs in the human body? which makes sense, given that it houses the very important EF. The body?s use of fuel is judicious. It considers safety a necessity, and self-actualization a luxury. As such, when the body?s energy tank runs low, the brain prioritizes the use of fuel: giving first dibs to things like autonomic responses (blinking and breathing), immune and digestive systems, balance and locomotion, and flight/ fight safety features.

When we are low on energy, our base-level thinking continues to function. However, the mind?s ?power tools? fail to operate: those tools that enable us to think strategically, collaborate broadly, communicate clearly, and execute decisively. In other words: when we are depleted and our brains aren?t well-fueled, we lose the ability to properly manage our time.

How does t his shows up at work? Here are a couple real-life examples I?ve seen throughout my career, which further demonstrate how essential the executive function is to time management.

On an individual level: A manager or

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employee is driving to work, thinking ?I need to have that tough conversation with Ellen.?

However, resolving conflict requires the ability to pay close attention, maintain impulse control, and come up with solutions? all enabled by the executive function. If that person already feels run down and low on energy, they may put the task off until the next day? even indefinitely.

By the time they get to work, they may still be determined to be productive; but determination just won?t cut it. Depleted, they may check their email, watch a YouTube video, organize their office, or drop in on a colleague? anything but one of those value-adding activities that requires so much of one?s energy.

On an organizational level: Knowledge workers without well-fueled brains are unable to think innovatively about how to get to root causes and fix systemic issues. Lacking energy, they may allow unaddressed concerns to fester and simmer; or resort to quick fixes, workarounds, and reactive firefighting that only provide Band-Aid solutions. This can lead to ongoing depletion into the system, eventually requiring multiples of additional energy, time, and mind-space from everyone in the organization.

How t o energize t he execut ive f unct ion?

Here are three ways organizations can help

You r Br an d n o i s i v +mi ssi on

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your customer service approaches, and ultimately the way you do business.

Here is one more examples of a longer vision and mission statements.

Apple?s Vision: Apple?s current vision statement was introduced by CEO Tim Cook, who stated, ?We believe that we are on the face of the earth to make great products and that?s not changing. We are constantly focusing on innovating. We believe in the simple not the complex. We believe that we need to own and control the primary technologies behind the products that we make, and participate only in markets where we can make a significant contribution. We believe in saying no to thousands of projects, so that we can really focus on the few that are truly important and meaningful to us. We believe in deep collaboration and cross-pollination of our groups, which allow us to innovate in a way that others cannot.

And frankly, we don?t settle for anything less than excellence in every group in the company, and we have the self- honesty to admit when we?re wrong and the courage to change. And I think regardless of who is in what job those values are so embedded in this company that Apple will do extremely well.?

Writ ing Your Brand?s Vision St at ement . The vision statement examples above, although

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representative of global brands, are examples that encapsulate the core belief statements, values, and initial inspiration that sparked each company?s success.

In Simon Sinek?s very famous ?Start with Why? TED Talkhe demonstrates a clean argument for a passion-centric statement of belief (what Sinek terms your Big Why) as being the best place to begin when setting out to design your business vision statement.

Here are some common aspects of powerful and effective company vision statements: A vision by nature is not as specific as it is a precise and global statement of belief. Do not limit your vision to specific ?goals?like ?growing your business?or ?expanding your customer base?because this may or may not stand the test of time. Specifics are best applied to your business goals. Think of the vision for the future of your entire business.

Don?t be too narrow in focus.

Think of your business in its future state. Try to capture your long-range, broadest view of what your future business will be without sounding too generic or trite.

Avoid overarching generalities. Every business wants to achieve success, but as a vision statement, that is just too generic. The best statement will be clear about who you are as a company as well as who you wish to

Do You Know Who You Ar e?

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self-defeating comparisons, self-centered stories, and self-promoting actions. They are able to celebrate the worth and wins of other people with a genuine unselfishness. But, how to get there...

True + Renewed. Wise Christians base their identity on the reliable foundation of biblical truth about God and what He says to be true.

This becomes the key to a proper self-image.

Our new and eternal life in Christ is the core of our true identity. Then, as we consistently renew our minds in His declarations of who we are, we can weather the skewed input of the world, our unreliable emotions, and the trials of this life with confidence.

When each of us comes to terms with the question, ?Who am I?? from a biblical standpoint, ?the joy of discovering who you are and the freedom of discoveringwho you?re not? becomes the new and abiding reality. But, what about you? Are you gathering the answers to your questions from a biblical standpoint?

The New You. The good news is that in Christ, we can know our essential identity. This is who we are because of the transforming work of the Gospel. As new creatures in Christ, we can then have an effective identity as we use our spiritual gifts, heartfelt desires, and natural talents and aptitudes for His glory.

Second Corinthians 5:17 says, ?If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.?

We are told that the power of Christ makes us new people. Colossians 3:3 confirms this: ?You have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.? Our pre-Christian identity is gone, dead by the power of Christ?s death.

Our new life and core identity is a reality because of Christ?s resurrection and victory over sin and death.

Receive + Renew. Fullness of identity begins when you receive the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as your only hope of salvation and a new life. The truth is that you carry the worth of God?s Son. He cared so much for you that Jesus came and gave His life in order to provide you with a totally new one. By trusting His life and message, you can experience the gift of a new life.

Colossians 3:10 tells us that we are to ?put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.? The key phrase is renewal to a ?true knowledge.?

Ful l y Al ive. Irenaeus, the early church father, stated, ?The glory of God is a human being fully alive.? A healthy self-image is seeing yourself as God sees you. No more. No less. In Christ, this is our new reality for His glory. C Text by Daniel Henderson Photos by Matthew Kane

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Text by Daniel Henderson Photos by Matthew Kane

good enough?

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?settled?for a place in life that was not God?s best. He stopped short of taking hold of the Promised Land because he found that Haran was good enough. This decision not only affected him, but his family who was with him and future generations. Why do we stay in Ur (our Usual Routines)? Some of us never leave the comfort and familiarity of our day to day living. Our usual routines are good enough for us. Let?s look at another verse: ??And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD.'" Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and cruel bondage.? -Exodus 6:8-9 NIV When the Lord was ready to release the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and lead them to the Promised Land, they did not have ears to hear at first. Many times we don?t take steps toward promised-land living because we cannot see beyond our circumstances, enslaving sin, and discouragement in life to hear God tell us that promised-land living is still His desire for us today. Like the Israelites, we do not listen, and consequently, we do not leave.

Sometimes we leave our lands of slavery? our lives before Christ, strongholds, addictions, etc. ? but we only get half-way to

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the life God desires for us and we settle for that. Why do we settle for Haran a life that falls short of God?s glorious plan for us?

Sometimes we get to a place in life where the risk is low and the comfort level is high. We think, this is good enough. But, what if good enough falls short of God?s best for us?

Remember John 10:10b says, ?I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.? Regardless of your season, regardless of your role, don?t settle for less than the abundant, rich, satisfying life God desires for you and your family. C Text by Chris McMahan Photos by Aaron Burden

Text by Chris McMahan Photos by Aaron Burden

Happi l y Ever Now

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Freedom Is A e c i c h o Chispa Magazine

practical? a trade: public speaking, leadership. Freedom to complete their education. Freedom to walk in their faith seeking God's purpose for this place and time.

Freedom to help someone else overcome their struggles, and so much more...

Today I asked one of the residents that I mentor at a women's state prison what freedom meant to her. Her response, "Freedom to experience joy and peace!"

Another resident said, "I may be in prison but they haven't incarcerated my soul." Both ladies enjoying the same freedom for which Christ set us free.

I wonder, how many of us living outside the razor wire realize we have these same freedoms available to us? How many of us are stuck in a world of impossibilities because we refuse to change? We have so many more rights and freedoms available to us, and yet...

"When you refuse to change, you end up in chains." How does that statement sit with you? I invite you to set your eyes on that area of change you've been avoiding. You know what it is? Go! C Text by Maggie Sabatier-Smith Photo by Robert Hickerson

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From there; however, it?s a downhill slide for me. As I read it, this woman seeks out the best clothes made from sustainable fabrics for her family, finds the best organic food, prepares a hearty breakfast before her family arises, and makes sure her hired help is paid a living wage. Well, the only thing on that list that doesn?t strike me full of guilt is the part about ensuring the well being of the servants? and that?s because I don?t have any. I can assure you that my whole family is clothed and fed, but as for sustainability and organic? Well, the thrift store does count as one of the 3 Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), and food is food, right? That whole getting up before the sun, though? I?m a night owl married to a morning lark. He likes to cook. I can?t deny him the blessing of preparing breakfast, can I? So, I suppose I?m not a complete failure on verses 13-15 either.

Evidently this woman has a knack for real estate, marketing, and budgeting? plus she is a DIYer. I consider myself pretty crafty, but I don?t produce much that is actually marketable? even if I had any skill for promotion. Real estate? I?d like a cottage on the beach, but I don?t know the first thing about buying or selling, unless you consider binge-watching House Hunters an education.

Budget, though? That I can do. I don?t like it, but I can make a budget so the bills get paid on time and the power stays on. Still that?s

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less than 50 percent success, so, I can?t really claim verses 16-19 as skills.

Helping others? Oh yes, I do that. I love making scarves and hats and leaving them to be found by people who need them. Food drives and other events are part of my regular habit, as is supporting charitable groups that secure clean water and education for communities that don?t have ready access to either. And my children never went cold in winter unless it was by choice. I get a momentary respite from guilt in verses 20-23.

Clothed in fine linen? Sure. The thrift store is a treasure trove. Making and selling? Not so much. One actually needs skills to do that. I have cerebral skills but nothing that produces anything practical for the merchants. Verses 22-24 are pretty much a bust.

Here?s the thing. I?m pretty sure God doesn?t intend for every woman to have these skills. It would be a pretty boring world if every woman could sew professionally, compete in the real estate market, dress like royalty, and thrive on fewer than six hours of sleep each night. But, women are as varied and unique as the flowers that bloom in spring. God gives each of us the skills and talents we need to fulfil the roles He has for us. And for some of us, it may be the well-put together homemaker-business woman with husband and children who appreciate her abilities and

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The story that began 30 years ago in the global phenomenon Not Without My Daughter (1991 MGM Home Entertainment, starring Sally Field), continues in the international bestseller by Mahtob Mahmoody, My Name Is Mahtob. As I spoke with Mahtob on January 29, the 30 year anniversary of her ?freedom day?from Iran, words from Genesis 50:20 (NIV) kept echoing in my mind. ?You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.?

Much like the famous Joseph of the Bible, Mahtob Mahmoody?s testimony is one of victory in the face of great trial; despite evil intentions in the hearts of others. Where man can?t see a way, God?s vision is not limited. ?There is a limit to the power of the human will. There is no limit; however, to the power of God?s grace,? says Mahtob.

As a young child she was born and lived in the US with her Iranian-born father and American mother. At the age of five, her father took them to Iran under the pretense of ?meeting his family.?Upon arrival, it was clear they would not be returning. For the next year and a half they were held hostage under her father?s tyrannical surveillance. My Name Is Mahtob, tells the story of Mahtob and her mother?s harrowing escape out of Iran, the impact felt for many years once back in the

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US [as they lived in fear of being found by her father], and the freedom she found in forgiveness. When asked what comforted her during these tumultuous years, Mahtob, now 36 years old, replies, ?Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) ?For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith? and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God? not by works, so that no one can boast.?Because it is definitely by God?s grace that I am saved? from my father, from life in a war zone, from the hate that I harbored after our escape, and even more importantly, from sin and the power of the devil.?

Her positive attitude and deep, pure faith in our God are inescapable as you journey through My Name Is Mahtob. Of particular interest is the theme of resiliency that threads beautifully throughout Mahtob?s poignant memoire. Like a golden strand on a black backdrop, Mahtob responds to the hardship in her life and returns beautifully from a place of intense darkness most of us have never known. ?I saw so many people who experienced challenging situations and crumbled, and so I asked myself ?how do I make sure this doesn?t destroy me??I think there are several things key to resiliency,? she says. ?One is social supports; God puts the right people in our lives at just the right time to help us. Over and over, God was putting these people in my life. Also, feeling like

there is a purpose, a greater meaning to this.

There have been horrible situations in my life, but there is a reason, God is going to use it somehow. Romans 8:28 (NIV) says: ?And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.?My perspective is a Christian perspective that God is in control and can work all things for my good."

One man in Mahtob?s autobiography, who God most certainly placed in her life at just the perfect time, was an Iranian shopkeeper; who, for no other motive than compassion, literally risked his life to arrange a ride to freedom for Mahtob and her mother. He is among several heroes that rise to the top in My Name Is Mahtob. Thankfully heroes are a part of all of our lives, but sometimes the beasts make them necessary. In another scene, Mahtob?s father uses physical force and abuse to dominate his wife. Family members stand idly by and watch, not intervening, as young Mahtob tries to stop her father from bashing her head into a wall. Sometimes it is not our actions that make us beasts, but our lack of action. There is much to be learned about Iranian culture from Mahtob?s book; although that is not the purpose of the book, through a wide gamut of characters we see the richness of another culture alongside the multi-faceted depth of the human heart. As I talked to Mahtob, her voice comforting and

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full of joy, it was easy to forget that she is someone who has faced great evil and up against overwhelming odds. Even more remarkable to me than her resiliency, is her desire to forgive amidst a life laced with fear until her father passed away in 2009. ?I forgave my dad within the first couple of years after our escape,? she says with surprisingly little emotion. ?Forgiving him didn?t require him to apologize. It was between me and God.? She continues, ?Immediately after our escape, my mom realized that I was carrying a toxic hatred. She hadn?t fought to free us so that I could waste my life wallowing in anger and hostility. As long as hatred ruled my heart, my father would imprison me in his absence. No one is all good or all bad. A big part of making peace with myself was rediscovering the good in him and claiming that as my inheritance. It was a gradual progression. I?m not sure exactly how or when I forgave my dad, but I do know why. I was taught the incredible redeeming power of God?s love. I was blessed to have adults in my life who recognized that unless I was taught the dangers of this sin I harbored, it would destroy me.?

The Weaver?s poem is referenced in My Name Is Mahtob and it seems an appropriate summary of my interview with Mahtob Mahmoody. She is a very special soul who I believe God is using in powerful ways.

27,000,000 Sl av es

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bondage, and other forms of coercion to compel adults and children to engage in commercial sex acts against their will. Under U.S. federal law, any minor under the age of 18 years induced into commercial sex is a victim of sex trafficking? regardless of whether or not the trafficker used force, fraud, or coercion. And, the situations that sex trafficking victims face vary dramatically.

Many victims become romantically involved with someone who then forces or manipulates them into prostitution. Others are lured in with false promises of a job, such as modeling or dancing. Some are forced to sell sex by their parents or other family members. They may be involved in a trafficking situation for a few days, weeks, or may remain in the same trafficking situation for years. Vulnerable populations are frequently targeted by traffickers, including runaway and homeless youth, as well as victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, war, or social discrimination.

Sex trafficking occurs in a range of venues including fake massage businesses, via online ads or escort services, in residential brothels, on the street or at truck stops, or at hotels and motels.?

Remember the number 27,000,000? There are an estimated 60,100 people trapped in slavery in the United States right now, and

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who is doing something about this catastrophe?

Going on its fourth year, END IT?s Shine a Light on Slavery Day has ignited a viral response on social media, led by influencers putting red X's on their hands. The END IT message has been amplified to millions via social media thanks to hundreds of celebrities, athletes, and politicians leveraging their networks and voices for the cause, resulting in # ENDITMOVEMENT becoming a top-trending topic on all social platforms.

Last year, on February 27 th, U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation, which coincided with Shine a Light on Slavery Day, aimed at turning awareness into action through The End Modern Slavery Initiative Act of 2015. ?More than 27 million people, many of them women and children, suffer under forced labor and sexual servitude in over 165 countries around the world, including our own,? said Corker, last year. ?As I have seen firsthand, the stark reality of modern slavery is unconscionable, demanding the United States and civilized world make a commitment to end it for good. Despite the pervasive nature of this horrific practice, modern slavery is a crime of opportunity that thrives where enforcement is weak, so raising

response to human trafficking in order to provide a more comprehensive suit of laws and ensure traffickers are held accountable for their crimes.

Another Coalition Partner of END IT is Polaris.

Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline (NHTRC, a 24-hour, confidential, multi-modal hotline serving the United States and U.S. territories), operated

by Polaris, has received reports of 14,588 sex trafficking cases inside the United States.

In 2014, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Childrenestimated that one in six endangered runaways reported to them were likely sex trafficking victims. In another 2014 report, theUrban Instituteestimated that the underground sex economy ranged from $39.9 million in Denver, Colorado, to $290 million in Atlanta, Georgia.

With trend data clearly establishing an average of 100 adolescent females commercially sexually exploited on a typical night in Georgia, we now know that each adolescent female affected by Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is sexually exploited by an adult male three times per night, on average.

What else do we know? The average life expectancy of a child after being trafficked is seven years with homicide or HIV/ AIDS as the main causes of death. One in four girls is

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sexually abused before the age of 18. The US is one of the top 10 destinations for human traf?cking? with tens of thousands of people traf?cked into the country each year and reports of traf?cking in over 90 major US cities.

The average age of entry into the commercial sex market for children is between 12 and 14 years old, and the overwhelming majority of the victims are female. In the United States, 90 percent of 1.7 million runaway episodes each year become involved in the sex trade industry. An estimated 300,000 American youths are currently at risk for becoming victims of commercial exploitation.

1,600 survivors reached out for help in 2015, a 24 percent increase over 2014; and a 519 percent increase in cases handled since 2008.

"From the domestic servant forced to work for little pay who required emergency shelter to the young girl made to sell sex online against her will who texted us for crisis support, survivors of human trafficking are reaching out to the national hotline more than ever,? says Bradley Myles, CEO of Polaris.?The national human trafficking hotline is a lifeline for victims of modern slavery in America.

More survivors calling the national hotline means more women, children, and men are being connected to life-changing support through the incredible work of more than

in late 2012 as a vehicle to encourage, equip, and empower communities around the US in the fight for freedom and restoration for sex trafficking survivors. ?We don?t need another campaign? we need a movement to turn 100,000 sexually exploited children in the U.S., to ZERO,? they say.

You want to help, but you don't know where to begin. What can one person possibly do that will make a difference? You can't do everything, but you can do something. And, you'll find that something in the pages of Make it Zero: The Movement to Safeguard Every Child. ?When each one of us begins to take action, it really adds up,? says author and founder of Wellspring Living, Mary Frances Bowley.

"Each of us is only one person, but one person determined to act is powerful. Moments can multiply into movements and create groundswells of change," she adds.

A rallying call for readers to unite and reduce the number of at-risk children to ZERO, Make It Zero reveals the opportunity behind a single moment of compassion. Contained within its pages are stories of many "ones" ... ones who, learning of a need, reacted and stepped up, often joining other "ones" to make a difference in the lives of countless individuals. Candid and compelling, this new book demonstrates the power each of us has

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to change lives, communities, even the world.

Moreover, it helps put intention into action by providing tools that will help each of us to do what we can, where we are, with what we have... right now. Whether it?s putting a red X on your hands, today, and keeping it alive in your heart for days to come with END IT or volunteering your voice, your talents or more toward any of the Coalition Partners, join us as we shed a light on slavery to END IT. C Facts for this article were gathered from Wellspring Living, End It Movement, and A21 websites, as well as the Polaris Project website.

END IT Photos in order of appearance: TobyMac .

Shasherslife.com . Sandi-Krakowski . Polaris .

Nicole Wright . Passion City Church Touch Team .

Paola Ramirez, Managing Editor, Chispa Magazine .

Natalie Grant + Daughter . Miruna Talpas and Dad Adrian Talpas Having Her Wisdom Teeth Pulled .

Matt Redman . Lauri Bonilla, Social Media Manager, Chispa Magazine + Daughter . Krupa Patel .

Kayla Futral Rike . Judith DiStefano . Jane Whitfield .

John + Kelly Martin . Jamie Rodriguez, Associate Editor, Chispa Magazine . International Justice Mission . Passion City Church Resource Team .

Roselin Nittala . Passion City Church Resource Team . Jessy-Martinez . Nathan + Christy Nockels .

Erica Basora . Dee Dee Huey, Holly Caraway + Sue Huey . David Crowder . Daves Highway .

Cy Whitfield . Hillsong United . Mike + Tina Cybularz?s Small Group . Catherine Day, Lisa Allen, Velmarea Cager + Josh Maloch . Carrie Underwood .

Carlie Monti Florence . BilliJoy Carson . Brent Fielder + Sons . Amy Bley . Nathaniel Buzolic .

Ada Talpas . Dee Dee Huey . Colton Dixon

Jo in in g f o r c es w it h No r ma Is h a k , t h e w o r l d o f f a s h io n meet s pur po s e, a n d

w e s a y: it ?s t ime t o END IT. To da y w e l et t h e w o r l d k n o w t h a t s l a v er y s t il l exis t s a n d w e w o n ?t s t a n d f o r it . Our Red X o n o ur h a n ds is o ur w a y o f s h in in g a l ig h t o n t h e 27,000,000 peo pl e t r a pped in s l a v er y a r o un d t h e w o r l d.

Aw a r en es s is n ?t ev er yt h in g , but w it h o ut it , s l a v er y w il l c o n t in ue t o exis t .

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e d a M t n a r Vaveiyobu ever felt l ikethe

H s e g n a h c r a col or you we h t i w g n o l a , l how you f ee r u o y n i t e s s f e t hebel i d e c n i v n o c e r ? mi nd? We n a s a h h t i a f col or and g n i d d a t u o b ef f ect . How a r u o y o t n i y c somevi br an g n i h t e m o s g n i s o o h c y b y da o t n i g n i g g i d br i ght and s ? t e L ? y h t r o w g n i h t e m o s . u o y s e g n a h c seehow i t

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Hel l o Gorgeous! ยกHol a Preciosa!

Fashion designer Nkem Olanrewaju?s Chic At Heart collection recognizes and accentuates the body shape of women.

The modern styling and clean tailoring offer a fresh alternative to conventional offerings.

According to Olanrewaju, ?Our slogan at Chic At Heart is to celebrate curves, providing plus-size women with great style and comfort that enhances their shape.?

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I t?s Sh osh anna Lee

by Sandee Z ah n Founded in 2010 by California native and current Chicago resident Sandee Zahn, Shoshanna Lee Jewelry is making its mark on the fashion scene. And, has already developed a deep celebrity client base, was featured in a TV series, and continues to secure accounts at select boutiques across the country and internationally. Shoshanna Lee?s designs contrast precious and primitive, reflecting the dichotomy and duality that exists in us all.

Zahn started her career performing as a Raiderette for the Los Angeles Raiders. In the early 1980s she entered the fashion industry working for top modeling agencies in Los Angeles. Recruited by Elite, Zahn moved to Chicago where she got married and raised two children. For the last 30 years she has been exploring the primitive nature of human behavior and the inner-self, and this exploration has been fundamental to her creative process. Today she finds inspiration from the precious stones she personally hand picks and uses it as a basis for her designs.

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Dare You by MAC Chispa Magazine

Best of the Best by Rimmel

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Photo by Anais Benoudiz

SuperRich Spl it Ends Mender is the newest member of ColorProof?s best-selling, award-winning Moisture System and features a luxuriously fresh signature aromatherapy fragrance of Juniper and Geranium. Like all ColorProof products, it is 100 percent free of sulfates, salts, gluten, parabens, and carcinogens.

Price: $38; available at colorproof.com.

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s ar e r agr an ce F s e p y t e li t y Ar ch n p er sona o d e s a b all 12 v ail ab le in as a e r a d n a ch scent s su ry. dif f er ent a nd Vision a e t a c o v Ad f or a es makes p y t e h f or c r A li zed gif t a n o s r e p . gr eat now b est k u o y e s at t ho ; av ail ab le 4 6 $ : e ic r P s.com. ar chet yp e

Cl inique?s Pret t y Easy Brow Pal et t e consists of the perfect formulas to shape, fill, and define brows for a modern look in just three simple steps. Price: $34.50; available at Clinique Counters and Clinique.com.

AMG Nat ural l y?s Papaya Spl ash Face Wash is a gentle foaming facial cleanser leaves your skin clean and rebalanced. Their hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial cleanser is pH balanced to replenish the skin?s moisture-building capacity. Designed for all skin types. Price: $50; available at amgnaturally.com.

Bobbi Brown?s Eye Opening Mascara is a rich, carbon black formula designed to magnify each and every lash from root to tip. The secret is the mascara?s innovative brush design and its inky black volumizing formula, providing a transformative effect with just one swipe. Price: $30; available at Bobbi Brown Counters and bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

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Il uminage Skin Rejuvenat ing Eye Mask is a luxurious satin-soft eye mask specially woven with copper infused fibers to help maintain skin's youthful appearance. Proven to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles for smoother, grab a hold of younger-looking skin in as little as four weeks; it can be worn each night to help achieve results. Hand wash with mild detergent and lay flat to dry. Price: $35; available at iluminageBeauty.com.

Il uminage Skin Rejuvenat ing Pil l owcase is an overnight solution to help maintain your skin?s youthful appearance and minimize the visible signs of aging? including fine lines, wrinkles, and lack of smoothness. Crafted with a silky soft and gentle thread embedded with breakthrough Copper Technology.

Price: $60 (Standard Size) + $75 (King Size); available at iluminageBeauty.com.

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Beauty Rest Resolution

Keeping Up With Grooming Habits Resolution

ZOYA?s Naked Manicure Mini Pro Kit features the combined benefits of instant cosmetic improvement and long-term health benefits, while addressing the most common obstacles to achieving the look of beautiful bare nails. Smooth ridges, fill pits, correct a free edge, neutralize discoloration all in minutes with one easy to use system. Long-term benefits are supported with a proprietary blend of vitamins, sulfur amino acids, proteins, and botanicals to improve the overall health of the nail. Price: $30; available at zoya.com and Ulta Beauty stores.

Advanced Mineral Makeup, Pressed Mineral Foundat ion functions as a foundation, powder, concealer, and SPF all in one which is ideal for skin with acne, hyper-pigmentation, rosacea, plus acts as an anti-inflammatory. The semi-matte finish can be used on all skin types with light diffusing properties to make skin appear flawless and youthful. Contains titanium dioxide, a natural sunscreen, plus can be found in four shades for each skin tone. Price: $38.50; available at advancedmineralmakeup.com.

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(coriander) leaves (from 5 to 6 stems), finely chopped 1 small avocado or ½ large avocado, diced 1 tbsp dried currants 1 tbsp roughly chopped almonds 1 tbsp almond oil 1 tsp agave nectar Juice of ½ lime Sea salt, to taste DIRECTIONS Combine the mixed greens, mint, basil, and cilantro in a salad bowl and toss. Add the avocado, currants, almonds, almond oil, agave nectar, and lime juice, and toss gently. Season with salt to taste, and enjoy. C Text by Paola Ramirez

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requirements in every serve. Perfect for the whole family, it?s high in antioxidants to support optimum health and rich in prebiotics to nourish healthy digestion and overall wellbeing.A touch of cinnamon improves insulin?s efficiency, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Aside from tasting sensational, protein can balance hormones, assist in weight loss, support detoxification, and digestion. Protein is also the key nutrient that helps you get ageless glowing skin and lean toned muscles.

INGREDIENTS 1 cup fresh or frozen berries 1 frozen banana small handful baby spinach leaves 1 cup almond milk or coconut water 1 tablespoon chia seeds pinch ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons Protein Powder 1 tablespoon Organic Superfood 1/ 2 teaspoon Matcha

macadamia milk that naturally contains antioxidants like vitamin E and zinc which neutralize free radicals in the body. Goji Berries have high anti-oxidant activities and are believed to slow the aging process by preventing oxidation, inhibiting mutation of DNA, and helping to restore damaged DNA. Romaine lettuce are rich in vitamin A, which revitalizes skin by increasing cell turnover.

They are also a good source of potassium that iscritical to our cardiovascular and nerve function, regulating the transfer of nutrients into cells and facilitating muscle energy.

DIRECTIONS Combine all the ingredients into a good high speed blender, blend until smooth and creamy, and enjoy.

INGREDIENTS 1 1/ 2 cups of your choice of coconut water, almond milk, macadamia nut milk or cold hibiscus tea 1 cup frozen blueberries 1/ 2 cup fresh pineapple 1/ 4 avocado 4 leaves baby romaine lettuce 1 teaspoon whole chia seed or ground flaxseed 1 tablespoon goji berries 1 tablespoon Healthy Chef Protein 1 tablespoon Healthy Chef Organic Superfood

Beaut y Boost ing What?s great about it? Homemade almond milk is high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that can help fight off free radicals for healthy skin, as well as a healthy immune system. You can also use coconut water that hydrates or

DIRECTIONS Combine berries, coconut water or others in your choices, avocado, lettuce, yogurt, goji, flaxseed, protein, and superfood into a high speed blender. Blend for 15 seconds until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass; enjoy. C

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All Pieces by Covet Lounge Chispa Magazine

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All Pieces by Covet Lounge

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A destination long-influenced by Latin cultures including Cuban, Mexican, and others across Central and South America, Miami is rich with experiences influenced by these cultures. At The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach your hunger for culture will be quenched with its historic taste of life in Old Havana.

Escape to your Club Oceanfront room and you?ll encounter the wind. Ah, the wind of South Beach is felt best when you open the balcony glass sliding doors and watch the sheer curtains dance to its beat. And, if you wake up before sunrise and lay on the balcony?s chaise lounges, you?ll find there are a thousand beautiful things that speak of Directly on the beach, this corner of South Beach where The Ritz is located holds history love. You?ll also meet exploration. Using the exact words that Ritz-Carlton uses to describe and showcases the magic of good things.

Their lush, glossy greenery plays well with the their rooms, ?The beauty of our surroundings is celebrated with thoughtful design and shimmering ocean and creamy sand that dĂŠcor, while spacious layouts, luxurious shelters beach fun for all ages. Welcoming bathrooms and indulgent bedding tempt one visitors with a dynamic sense of style and unparalleled elegance, what?s most essential to forgo exploration for welcome seclusion.? to today's traveler is found here: good Nobody knows for certain why the beats of old-fashioned hospitality. Charm at its best is South Beach are felt even when the music is provided by each bellman, each valet? from turned off and you?re drifting off to sleep. concierge to massage therapists to Certainly it?s a good thing and it welcomes housekeeping? all smile, all welcome, all visitors with open arms. This place is a reflect the vibrancy of one of America's most mystery. The gateway town for the curious lively neighborhoods. and artistic, with steady winds and waters calling you by name, the conditions could not And if you want to dive into the splendor of be more perfect. C the city's golden age, their unique massage, the Energizing Rhythm Massage feels like art brushing against your skin. We?re not kidding.

You see, the therapist provides a massage in sync with Latin-inspired music. Depending on your desired need, whether it?s a feeling of relaxation or vibrant joy, you are served cross friction and percussion movements for a distinct flavor that no one can match.

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Text by Mavian Arocha-Rowe

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LOVEThy Neighbor.

SHARE The Truth.

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Are You Saying Thank You? Does your child suffer from Entitlement Syndrome?

Yes, that?s actually a ?thing?? Urban Dictionary describes it as, ?When you think about what you're entitled to before you consider anyone else.?

Saying Thank You, the new non-fiction children?s book from Monisha Vasa, M.D., demonstrates a loving dialogue between a parent and child. Told through animals indigenous to the Indian Rainforest, each page reminds parent and child to be thankful for life?s simple things including the food that nourishes our bodies, the magic of time shared together, and feet that carry us forth.

As a psychiatrist, parenting blogger for The Huffington Post and mother of two school-aged children, Dr. Vasa is intimately aware of the effect Entitlement Syndrome is having on today?s generation of children, and Saying Thank You, promotes the concept of gratitude to the littlest of learners.

Best of all, it provides an important foundation for raising grateful, not entitled, children. Plus it establishes a springboard for open door dialogue between parent and child, and fosters lifelong mental health practices at an early age.

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M UST HA V ES, ETC. Fried + Heal t hy Want the taste of fried, juicy food, but not the fat? Rosewill Air Fryer now makes it possible to enjoy healthier versions of our favorite foods by frying them with a tablespoon?or less?of oil and draining excess fat during cooking. Its Rapid Air technology circulates air around the entire unit, heating up to 400 degrees to ensure all food is cooked evenly throughout. We gave it a try and indeed, the food was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with little to no oil.

And, the Air Fryer does more than just fry, it also grills, roasts, and even bakes. Seven programs are provided for ease: Chips, Chicken, Steak, Shrimp, Meat, Cake, and Fish.

Or, we could adjust the time (up to 30 minutes) and temperature (from 170 to 400 degrees). In our home, it?s called magic.

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