Fearless Life Magazine Special Edition

SPECIAL EDITION 2021

DECLUTTERING

YOUR MIND FOCUSING ON WELLNESS & SELFCARE

REASONS

YOUNG FAMILIES NEED LIFE

INSURANCE

Serial Entrepreneur

MONIQUE SAMUELS

NOW

TONI TALKS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW W/

DR. C.H. BRADDY & MICHAEL VICK

STILL DOING IT ALL

DATING

THE ELEMENTS OF MARRIAGE

LIVING LUXE

CHANGING A COMMUNITY

BY INVESTINGS IN THE YOUTH

PIT STOPS FOR HOPE

BRING BACK COLOR!

FEARLESSLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

SPECIAL EDITION

2021

CONTENTS 03

Editor’s Note

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Entreprenuer Spotlight

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Still Doing It All with

Monique Samuels

Fideliz Cruz: Christian Life Coach & Business Mentor

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Ask Chef Phill

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Feelish Chef-ish?!

Lamb Chops Chef Ceejai’s Way

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Declutter Your Mind Focusing On Wellness & Self Care Dr. Dominique Hammonds, LCMHC, NCC, BC-TMH

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Bring Back Color Christina Owens

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Everyday Inspiration

Cover Story

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Money Matters 5 Reasons Young Families Need Life Insurance Now Marcus Gold, MBA

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Unstoppable Interviewing Dr. Teresa Hairston Teneshia Phillips

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Pit Stops for Hope Interview with Ray Wright Antonio Phillips

Toni Talks EXCLUSIVE Interview with Dr. C.H. Braddy & Michael Vick Toni Dominique

He Is Fearless The Man Behind the AJ3Report: Abner Jackson III Teneshia Phillips

Still Doing It All with Monique Samuels Denise King

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The Elements of Marriage Dating James & Monica Miller

If the Dress Doesn’t Fit, Don’t Acquit Stephanie Hill

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Living Luxe

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Let’s Heal It’s Okay To Trust Jesus & See A Therapist Quencia Mangum

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Intentional Men Where My Dawgs At? Carl Cox

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DITOR’S NOTE

Teneshia D. Phillips

My favorite season of the year is Fall. There are many reasons I love Fall, the leaves change colors, the temperatures drop, the holidays are near, and my birthday is in October (mostly this).

However, I am starting to love the beauty of all seasons. I see things I never really paid attention to before.

In the spring, the trees are no longer bare; flowers are sprouting up beautifully and are so full of color; the sunshine, and birds chirping greet us every morning.

Summer brings long sunny days, vacations, more gatherings to enjoy life and be inclusive, and more opportunities to make memories as with the kids being out of school. I’ve noticed how energetic I felt this summer. I’ve had the most summer SUMMER of my life traveling and enjoying quality time with my loved ones.

While winter may bring cooler temperatures and require us to be inside more (due to rising COVID cases), I still look forward to it with optimism. See, like the season, I have gone through many changes (as I’m sure you have as well), and I’m still here!

Summering…

June 2021 Cancun, Mexico. io Phillips ton An it: Photo Cred

Recognize and accept opportunities to begin again.

Fearless Life Magazine has recently gone through some significant changes as well, but WE’RE STILL HERE! One quote that has kept me going through the up and downs of being the Editor in Chief of FLM has been this: Success is not final, Failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continues that counts.

-Winston Churchill

Potomac star Monique Samuels as she shares about her life after RHOP and the many businesses that she has.

We also have an incredible interview conducted by Toni Dominique. She speaks with former NLF Quarterback Michael Vick and Dr. C.H. Braddy as they discuss their efforts to increase awareness surrounding the importance of continued COVID testing and receiving factual information about COVID vaccines.

I also had the opportunity to interview Gospel Media Trailblazer Dr. Teresa Hairston. She shares her powerful testimony of overcoming COVID and writing her new book, Unstoppable. Be sure to read the advice she offered to me as a new Editor (I’m so grateful)!

We have an interview with mental health advocate and counselor Dr. Domonique Hammonds about the importance of prioritizing our mental health and decluttering our minds. And we dive into the importance of keeping the fire in your marriage and relationships by dating (seems simple, right? But it is so easily forgotten after you have been married for a while and life becomes busy with children, work, and other responsibilities) and so much more.

It is our prayer that, in this issue, you gain enough hope to recognize and accept opportunities to begin again, that you see the beauty in this season of your life no matter where you are or what you are going through. Be encouraged. God is continually making all things new (including us). Every day brings a fresh beginning. Embrace it!

Be Fearless,

Connect With Me @tpmgmtgroup

So, on that note, let’s get into this issue; we are catching up with former Real Housewives of

@tpmgmtgroup

Teneshia D. Phillips Editor in Chief

www.tpmgmtgroup.com SPECIAL EDITION 2021

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Entrepreneur Spotlight

Meet

Fideliz Cruz Christian Life Coach & Business Mentor

Fideliz is a Christian Life Coach & Business Mentor.

She is a visionary who loves seeing women rise in leadership in all aspects of their lives, using their gifts and talents to build a business and life which honors God, nourishes their family, and gives back to their community.

Fideliz is a Certified Life Coach through BYCA and winner of their 2018-2019 International Coach of the Year Award. She is also an International Contributing Editor for Global Ventures, a beautiful segment highlighting Christian Entrepreneurs from all over the globe in His Favor Magazine.

She is the founder of Kingdom Women Entrepreneur Academy, a community of Christian business owners for equipping, empowering, and sisterhood support.

In addition, she is an author and co-founder for www. wildlilyresources.com, which provides Christian products such as journals and affirmation cards.

What do you love most about the work you do?

I’m passionate about helping fellow Christian women launch and build their God-given business vision.

Seeing my clients achieve their goals and live out what once was a “business dream” brings me so much joy!

As much as I love watching my clients grow their business, I am also very aware of the spiritual and personal growth happening in them too. I would say this is what I love the most. I love that it’s not just about business. It is both life and business. And, of course, that includes our spiritual life. As a Christian Life and Business Coach, I am there for my clients in these aspects too.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming an entrepreneur?

I will break it down into three areas I believe we all need to clarify, no matter what stage you might be in for your business. These three things are a must for anyone but especially if you are still in the early ideas stage.

1) Clarity on your God-aligned business vision. Get clear on your God-aligned business vision. Ultimately, what is the vision God has given you? Write it out and be specific.

2) Get clear on our WHY. With a clear vision, also get clear on your WHY. Why do you want to build a business?

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What is your compelling “why”? Your WHY must be big enough to compel you to action. Then, when the time comes (and it will come many times) when you feel you want to give up, you can go back to your compelling WHY and remember WHY you have started in the first place.

When I think about my WHY, no one in this world will stop me from God’s call over my life, which compels me to put my faith into action.

3) Join a community of fellow faith-filled entrepreneurs. Having a community that will support and encourage you on this entrepreneurial journey is key!

We’re not designed to do this alone; we are meant to do this together!

What does it mean to you to be “fearless”?

For me, being “fearless” means taking action with perfect love. The scripture in 1 John 4:18 comes to mind: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with

punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

When we come from a place of perfect love – Christ’s Love – we have the same heart as He does, and we can face things in life fearlessly.

How may our readers connect with you?

Please reach out and say hello on any of my social media platforms: Facebook - Fideliz Cruz Instagram - @coach_fideliz_cruz

And you can also check out my website at www.fidelizcruz.com, where you can get some FREE Resources and tools to help you with your business planning!

Facebook Group: KINGDOM WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS! It is a free Facebook Group for Christian women business owners for sisterhood support and encouragement for life and business.

Chef Phill is a private and celebrity chef. He studied Culinary Arts at the renowned Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts. He has been cooking professionally since 2016. Chef Phill has been featured in magazines, a movie, and on tv. He has created a Special Blend Seasoning that has become a fan favorite and teaches cooking classes.

Where do your garnishment inspirations come from?

Before I even begin the cooking process, I get a vision in my mind of how I want to plate the dish and garnish. I think of it as a work of art.

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Submitted By Bella Noel

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Submitted By Shaquella Owens

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Why am I paying this much for a ketchup smear on the side of my food?

Well, if I had a Ketchup smear on my plate, I would question that too!! LOL. When we (chefs) plate a dish, we see the plate as a canvas that we paint our food on. It’s all about the presentation of the food because that’s what draws attention to the food before tasting it. The time and effort put into preparing delicious meals, and a visually pleasing plate is priceless.

What’s your favorite part about what you do? Is it the guest’s satisfaction or the art of the meal? On the other hand, have you ever prepared something that your guest didn’t like? How did you handle that?

I love getting to meet new people. I love meeting people that I never dreamed of meeting even more. But, of course, I have had clients that didn’t like my food. One instance that stands out is one Thanksgiving where I prepared food (same meals) for a few families. All the meals were prepared and delivered at the same time with the same ingredients. Of all the families that provided feedback, I had one client complain about their meal. Of course, I apologized and did what I could to make it right. But I can’t take it personally. People are different, and so are their tastebuds.

Submitted By Melinda S. Moore

What inspired you to cook?

Growing up watching my mom and dad cooking intrigued me.

Photo Credit: Macula Vision Media, LLC

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Submitted By Denise Fonville

@chefphillatl contact@chefphill.com www.chefphill.com SPECIAL EDITION 2021

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Feeling Chef-ish?!

Photo Cour tes

Meet This Issue’s Featured Chef

Chef Ceejai of WestEnd Eatz Catering was born & raised in New Jersey. He has now become a household name in Atlanta by offering full catering services. Chef Ceejai is Atlanta-based, but he is a traveling chef as well. With Chef Ceejai, you will receive quality food & even better customer service from him & his team. Specializing in a fantastic Brunch & Private Dinner experience, his company also does meal prep for clientele who prefer a clean diet. Chef Ceejai provides meal preps with the same delicious taste to satisfy their needs!

Lamb Chops Chef Ceejai’s Way Ingredients 2tbs Olive Oil 1tsp Minced Garlic 1tbs Honey 1tsp Onion Powder 1 ½ McCormick Grill Mates Brazilian Steak Seasoning 1tsp Dried Parsley Instructions 1. Place the raw lamb chops in a mixing bowl to season & marinate.

2. Coat the meat with olive oil. Next, evenly coat the lamb chops with all of the other seasonings. Mix well for 3-5 minutes or until you see the lamb chops are perfectly seasoned.

3. Allow the meat to marinate for at least 1 hour.

4. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Meanwhile, place a skillet on high heat on the stove. Once the skillet is hot, place the lamb chops inside. Cook the lamb chops for 5 minutes on each side until a nice brown crust is reached.

5. Place the cooked lamb chops onto a flat baking dish. Be sure to pour the liquid from the pan over the lamb chops. Then, cover with foil tightly and bake for an additional 20 minutes.

6. Remove from the oven (be cautious that you are not burned by the steam when removing the foil).

7. Drizzle the honey over the lamb chops, serve, and enjoy! * You can use a Balsamic Glaze if you prefer it over honey.

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Declutter Your Mind Focusing On Wellness and Self-Care Would you mind telling us a little about yourself?

My name is Dr. Dominique Hammonds. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Qualified Supervisor, National Certified Counselor, and Board Certified Telemental Health Provider. I am a counselor, clinical supervisor, and consultant. I provide services faceto-face and online via my private practice, Hammonds Counseling & Consulting, to clients located in the state of North Carolina and organizations nationwide. I also serve as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling at Appalachian State University and President-Elect of the North Carolina Counseling Association. I am passionate about increasing mental health awareness among communities of Color and increasing access to quality, culturally responsive mental health care globally. My scholarship and professional service activities center around various subjects, including a) culturally responsive teaching, counseling, and clinical supervision, b) creative teaching and supervision methods, and c) technology in counseling. In addition to my professional life, I enjoy spending time with my spouse and two children, cooking, running, and finding inspiration for decorating and recipes via my numerous Pinterest boards.

We often associate decluttering and organizing with the springtime.

However, we both know that prioritizing our mental health and selfcare is an ongoing process. Would you please share with our readers some tips on how they may declutter their minds and organize their lives all year long?

Use the spring as a reminder to “declutter” your mind, but the truth is, you will be better if you attend to your mental health year-round.

Mental health and wellness represent the combination of several factors such as outlook and quality of life. Reflect on your sense of stress management, self-worth, physical activity, social interaction, sense of control, cultural identity, nutrition, emotional awareness, coping, and spirituality or belief that meaningfully connects you to nature or a higher power. How satisfied are you in each of these areas? It is important to be honest and to tease apart YOUR OWN expectations from those of others - both can be impactful but only as much as you allow them to be.

Here is my pro-tip: Often, the key to mental health and wellness is perspective. Being in a place of active striving or acceptance contributes to growth, positivity, optimism, or hope. Whereas being in a place of dissonance or wanting, absent of action, acceptance, or belief in the possibility of change contributes to pessimism, hopelessness, and despair - which can lead to depression and a host of other challenges.

So, a decluttered mind is really a mindset and a practice. Trust your voice and take time to tune in and listen—practice self-reflecting, journaling, and being still (mindfulness, meditation, or enjoying nature).

Believe in the power of your thoughts. Practice harnessing your possibility. What do you think, and how do you feel about your current situation? What, if anything, do you want to be different?

What is within your control to change? Remember, you can either change your belief or change your behavior. It is alright not to want to work toward change (and sometimes there is no way you can change a situation), but your work now will be to accept where you are. Find a counselor who can support you on your journey toward clarifying your beliefs, changing your behaviors, and self-discovery.

Set yourself up for success. Practice self-care and living well. If

Dr. Dominique S. Hammonds, LCMHC, NCC, BC-TMH Photo Courtesy of Dr. Hammonds

Trust your voice and take time to tune in and listen—practice self-reflecting, journaling, and being still (mindfulness, meditation, or enjoying nature).” everything is not going according to plan or if we experience tragedy or loss, we blame ourselves and believe that it is somehow our fault. There are existential givens of life, such as isolation, freedom, meaninglessness, and death. We are all human and, although each experience is different, we will experience these things at some point. I know it is a bit of a downer, but here is where perspective comes in again. Even though you will be stressed, adulting is hard, sometimes your money is “funny,” it may feel like your voice is not being heard, you feel like you have no control, or maybe even you have experienced a loss - whatever your experience - it is important to never lose sight of the fact that you can control your choices. While we may not always control what happens to us or the situations we find ourselves in, we can control our responses. The goal is to practice caring for our minds and bodies so that we can better adaptively manage whatever life throws our way.

Examples of self-care include, but are not limited to: using your voice, empowerment, setting boundaries, protecting your time, utilizing social support, moving your body, nutrition, finding meaning, self-reflection, stress management, improving self-worth, relaxation, and stillness.

How would you encourage a client to become “fearless” or to fear less?

Fear is an unpleasant feeling brought on by the perception of real or imagined danger. I believe to attempt to remove fear altogether is to desensitize somehow and dehumanize us. Fear, joy, sadness… these emotions are all part of being human. These emotions give meaning to our lives, and they help us understand our internal experiences. So, instead of attempting to be fearless, tune in to that emotion, reflect on what you are responding to, and empower yourself to find the courage to BE despite the fear.

How may our readers follow you on social media or learn more about your practice and services?

You can find me at: Online: www.hammondscounseling.com Instagram: the_drdom | Facebook: the_drdom | Twitter: the_drdom

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If the Dress Doesn’t Fit, Don’t Acquit!

STEPHANIE HILL TALKS ABOUT UPCYCLING PIECES YOU CAN NO LONGER FIT. MAY YOU NEVER HAVE TO LEAVE A CUTE DRESS IN A STORE AGAIN.

H

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ave you ever shopped for a dress, loved the dress, and realized you could not even fit in the dress? Well, if the dress doesn’t fit, don’t acquit! It is time to transform your “most wanted” dress into this season’s must-have wardrobe item: a duster!

looks. I mean, whether it is at the supermarket or the department store, who doesn’t like a BOGO (buy one get one) deal? Size is no longer a factor when turning a dress into a functional piece. What matters most is how you style it, accessorize it and rock it. Now, let’s get into these looks!

Turning a dress into a duster allows you to remain fashionably relevant, confident, and within your budget. It is one of the most cost-efficient ways for you to expand your wardrobe and create a host of versatile

Note: Staple newspaper dress/duster available at Tomorrow’s Fit Online Boutique.

SPECIAL EDITION 2021

BEFORE 9:00 AM Ready for work?

AFTER 5:00 PM Headed to dinner?

Whether that dress is a floral print, multi print, or doesn’t have a print, I hope you think twice before leaving it behind next time.

Remember, making cents make sense is not just a saying, but it is a way of life.

WEEKEND VIBES Are you ready for the weekend?

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n a former star o otomac” ousewives of P H l ea R e h “T series ed binder), is an d co rlo co s u o writer, (with her infam ia personality, ed m , er k ea sp t. entrepreneur, d philanthropis music artist, an

Most importantly, Monique is also a loving wife and mom of three. She is known for her ability to balance her personal and professional lives and “do it all.”

She’s the CEO of Not For Lazy Moms, a multi-platform media company that provides a destination and online community for resourceful women who want it all and do it all. Not For Lazy Moms began as a blog and has grown into a powerful community where parents can find inspiration for maintaining themselves as well as lifestyle tips and natural alternatives for their families.

The website inspired a Not

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For Lazy Moms podcast, which debuted in August of 2018. The Not For Lazy Moms community is where people share stories about overcoming obstacles in life, open up about challenges, and share ideas and advice on parenthood, relationships, healthy living, happiness, and so much more.

Monique is the author of her hit potty training book, “Potty Training Mommy and Daddy: A

Guide For Introducing Infant Potty Training As Early As 6 Months Old. Life after her stint on “The Real Housewives of Potomac” has become just as busy for Monique.

Among her many accomplishments, Monique is the founder of Mila Eve Essentials, an essential products company featuring 100% pure, therapeutic essentials oils and other self-care products.

Photo Credit: Billy Maloy

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Photo Credit: Drew Xeron

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n this interview, Denise King aka Aunt Niecy and Tink Wilds of Entertainment Tea Uncut catch up with Monique during their Entrepreneurial Sunday Series.

We all know that you’re from Housewives and I don’t want to get into anything from the past but I did want to ask do you watch the current season?

I haven’t watched it.

Are you still friends with anybody from the show?

Yeah, I’m still friends with Ashley and Karen.

Can we look forward to seeing you on TV again?

Y’all can see me on your tv if you watch Youtube and you watch it on your tv (laughing).

Where did you discover this (passion for natural things)?

All my life I’ve been somewhat on a natural path. I’ve always liked to try alternative remedies. I’m allergic to penicillin, amoxicillin, and all of those different things. I physically can’t take those things. So, I had to look for other alternatives and it kind of led me on a journey from the time I was very young. I got into essential oils around 2009. That’s when I had my first experience with essential oils and it was oregano oil. A young lady told me to get the oil of oregano. Let me back up and tell a story… I was in Arizona and everything was blooming. I never get allergy issues.

No sinus attacks, nothing. I went to Arizona and oh my God, I had the worst sinus infection of my entire life. Nothing would work and I can’t take antibiotics. The lady told me, she said, look go get some oil of oregano. She said to take it orally every three hours, mix it with olive oil and just put it right in your mouth. It was disgusting. It was very spicy but she said look, have a glass of orange juice ready and waiting. She said I’m telling you in a couple of days you’re going to feel good. Within two to three days, it was completely gone and literally, I haven’t had sinus issues since.

Oregano is great for allergies.

So, with the essential oils that you sell, do you also sell roller balls and things like that?

Yes! We have 10 different blends that we have rollerballs available in. Our popular seller right now is the Sleep Tight Roller Ball. We have a Hormonal Symmetry Roller Ball which is good for women who are battling hot flashes or who are trying to naturally increase their fertility chances. Women who have bad cycles and cramps can use this roll-on for everything. It will balance your hormones.

Another top seller is our Calm Down and our Anti-Stress and I try to name the oils so that when you hear the name, you know exactly what it does. So, the names pretty much speak for themselves. We have an oil called self-defense that is slowly becoming a top seller because of back to school. Self-defense will protect you and boost your immune system.

I have seen from looking at your page (Mila Eve Essentials) that you have some recipes for your children. Can you talk a little about that?

When it comes to children it’s not about the recipes so much as the oil. Certain oils are great for children, that are gentle for them.

So, I always tell people with newborns they can use frankincense.

They can use lavender and they can use roman chamomile so those three are like your safest go-to oils. We have a kit called ‘New Mommy New Baby’, where we promote those oils because they are very safe. They’re very soothing for a baby. People don’t realize when a baby is born, they come out very stressed. They

had a long journey for hours and hours so they’re very stressed and it’s very nice to have a calming oil. With all of my kids, I used frankincense when they were born. I also used that in their belly button area, where they had the umbilical cord and it helped with that healing process. I would rub it underneath their feet and it would soothe them.

Once a child is over two years old, there are a lot more oils that you can use. It’s all about the dilution ratio. So, when we talk about dilution, we’re talking about taking your pure oil and mixing it with a base. A base can be almond oil, grape seed oil, fractionated coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, it can be anything that’s a natural cream or oil. I always say my go-to is to use a tablespoon of the oil and you can use one to three drops of the essential oil. That’s a great starting way for people who don’t understand dilution ratios. It will help you so that you can still get the benefits of the oil. You can increase the strength if you feel like once you’re accustomed to it.

What’s your next business venture?

Who knows? I’m searching for the right situation because I would love for Mila Eve Essentials, to have a storefront and to have a home. I would also like for it to be a home for other businesses as well so it won’t just be a storefront, it’ll be several businesses. I’m also investing in real estate, which I love. I have other investments that I do as well. I just started getting into cryptocurrency and it’s been really fun. It’s nice to try something new and different.

What do you think you can tell somebody that would have helped you if somebody else told you?

I think one of the biggest things for me is to make sure that your team is solid. Make sure that you’re surrounding yourself with people who are speaking into you. Who are uplifting you, encouraging you, and who will tell you the truth but they have your best interest at heart. Pay attention to certain energies that you allow to come into your space because it seems like there’s always a pattern. It’s almost like, you have…I was just explaining this to my husband the other day. It’s almost like you have certain energies, that are aligned with you your whole life. You have these good people who are all very similar and then you have these other people who might not necessarily be bad but their energy is “off” and that “off” energy will not allow you to elevate where you need to be. Pay attention to that so you don’t keep hitting yourself in the head dealing with the wrong type of people.

You get to a point in life where you start realizing patterns and you start using your intuition and you’re going with your gut instinct and you start listening to yourself when your inner self is telling you to stay away from that person. They’re not good for you. They’re going to do whatever to your business or they’re going to hold you back from getting to that next level. Don’t play around with bad energy because you’ll end up holding yourself up and keeping yourself back when you’re meant to keep excelling and elevating. Sometimes, not everybody is meant to elevate with you.

Some people are just in your life so that they can teach you a serious lesson. So that you can discover something deep about yourself. But you have to know who is supposed to keep going with you to the top and who was never meant to go to the top with you because they’ll hold your whole life up and you’ll be doing this (motioning circles with her fingers) for 50 years.

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Listen to Monique’s podcasts

on all major platforms and join theNot For Lazy Moms community at www.NotForLazyMoms.com and check out her 100% pure, therapeutic essential oils and other selfcare products at www.MilaEveEssentials.com

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Photo Credit: Drew Xeron SPECIAL EDITION 2021

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Money Matters 5 reasons young families need life insurance now.

By Marcus Gold

W

hen it comes to money matters, young parents who are just starting out have a lot to juggle: They may be paying off student debt and saving for their first home, all while raising kids. But it’s also a time when young families may be the most financially vulnerable should the unexpected strike. So to ensure that they have financial protection when they need it most, purchasing a life insurance policy should be at the forefront of their mind.

4. It lets you concentrate on other goals.

Here are five reasons why young families need life insurance:

Don’t let the fear of making the wrong decision deter you from purchasing a policy now. The policy you purchase today isn’t intended to be set in stone. As your family’s needs change, you have the option of considering other policies.

1. You never know.

While it’s not the most pleasant thing to ponder, an emergency could quickly put your family’s finances underwater. Only 40 percent of Americans have enough savings to cover an unexpected $1,000 expense. And when you’re starting out, not having protection in case something happens to a family’s breadwinner is even scarier.1

2. The earlier you opt-in, the more affordable it is.

Because age is one factor that affects the cost of your premiums, the younger you are when you purchase a policy, the less you’ll be paying each year.

3. It may not be as expensive as you think.

If you’re on a budget and are convinced you can’t afford life insurance, consider term life insurance.

It guarantees protection for a set amount of time provided premiums are paid when due. Since it’s not designed to last a lifetime, the annual premiums are considerably lower when you are younger.

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Once you have the peace of mind and financial protection that life insurance grants you, you may feel secure enough to fund long-term goals, like buying a home, saving for your nest egg, or going back to school.

5. You can always upgrade at a later date.

We know it’s not easy for young families to make their life insurance needs a priority, given all their competing financial obligations. However, permanent life insurance is a vehicle for protection that is not only affordable but can also help families accumulate cash value and can ultimately propel them toward reaching both their immediate and far-reaching goals.

1Annie Nova, “A $1,000 Emergency Would Push Many Americans into Debt,” CNBC, January 23, 2019.

This educational, third-party article is provided as a courtesy by Marcus Gold, MBA, Financial Professional (CA Insurance. Lic. #4054898) New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact Marcus Gold, MBA at 910.320.2793, MGold01@ft.nyl.com, www.marcusgoldnyl.com.

www.chefphill.com contact@chefphill.com

CELEBRITY CHEF AT YOUR SERVICE

Services: Private Dinners Corporate Event Full Caterings

Drop-Off Cooking Lessons Fundraisers

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T

Toni Talks

Toni Dominique shares an Exclusive ‘Toni Talks’ interview with Dr. C.H. Braddy, Doctor of Behavioral Health, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Senior Pastor of Now Faith Apostolic Ministries, and Michael Vick, former NFL Quarterback, Sports Analyst, Author and Philanthropist as they co-hosted a COVID testing and vaccination drive in Clayton County, Georgia recently.

Questions and Answers have been modified for this format. For the full interview, you may visit www.tonidominique.net.

Toni Dominique: First off, as you all know, I am an Atlanta Falcons fan!

So, we have to ask Mike Vick, first, when you’re at home and with your family do you ever have to give them like the highlight reels of you know, who you are? Just to remind them like, I’m important.

Michael Vick: Not at all. I never have to remind them of you know, what I’ve created or the legacy I’ve been able to build on the field. We are constantly reminded of just random people who come up (to us) every day. Somebody might say, I’ve seen you on the Madden cover, you know you ran for a thousand yards this season…

They’re so used to it. It just goes without saying but I never have to explain to them you know what the legacy was or what it will become.

It’s already kind of ingrained in their minds but I never have to remind them of that. I feel like it would be selfish for me to do so.

mandated and it’s something that I have to do, I’m using this platform that Dr. Braddy created to educate myself.

Toni Dominique: What advice do you have for people like you? People that are trying to do research as well and those still trying to figure it all out. What would you say to them as well?

Michael Vick: You have got to make decisions on your own. I think this is all about personal preferences. Some people are affected more than others and some people get affected and can’t recover from it. I think if you look at yourself in the mirror and say, I want to have the longest life and healthiest life possible then, I think you have got to make the conscious decision, not just to protect yourself but to protect the people that you’re around. That’s part of my decision-making. I travel a lot. I have a family. My kids. This will spill over into educating them. I’m definitely proud of what took place today and it’s an accomplishment on Dr. Braddy’s accord.

Toni Dominique: What made you feel comfortable and want to link up with Dr. Braddy (for a COVID testing and vaccination drive)?

Michael Vick: Dr. Braddy and I have a very close relationship and you know we’ve been knowing each other for about 4 years now. Anytime he’s advocating for something and he calls and I give my advice and spill on it.

Whether it’s you know right or wrong or whether we agree on it or not, we always find some type of compromise.

I think this (a COVID testing and vaccination drive) was much needed you know. Think about what’s going on in America and what’s going on here and everywhere. People have to be conscious about COVID. People have to be conscious about testing and what the needs and necessities are whether it’s in your workplace or school or you know just in life in general. You have to protect yourself at all times. This is a sickness that’s going around that’s uncontrollable and you know, when you have people trying to step up and influence people Dr., Braddy, Michael Vick, and Toni Dominique and push them to do what’s right, it’s Photos Courtesy of Toni Dominique no wrong in it.

Toni Dominique: Are you vaccinated?

Michael Vick: I’ll be the first to say I’m not vaccinated and I’m not the most qualified to speak on it. What I am doing right now, is my due diligence about the differences in the Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer, and Moderna vaccines. I’m learning more and more and I plan to be vaccinated. I plan to get vaccinated for a bunch of reasons: my health, the people that I work with, and all the workplaces that I work in.

It is becoming a requirement and it’s becoming mandatory. So now that it’s

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I plan to get vaccinated for a bunch of reasons: my health, the people that I work with, and all the workplaces that I work in.

Toni Dominique: Thank you and Dr. Braddy why was it important for you to bring Mike Vick in to help get your message out?

Dr. Braddy: Well, as Mike said we’ve known each other for 4 years now and when we first met it was like a connection. We talked about vision, laying foundations, creating foundations, and developing a cohesive relationship to further community development and community growth.

I’m all about community and so I believe as a pastor that we should be the front line of The Department of Family Children’s Services. Our church is kind of different. We’re outside of the walls. I want to know what’s our unemployment rate looking like in the church. I want to know how many kids we have in foster care. I want to know what are we doing to address criminal justice reform. I believe in restorative justice. So, when I think about Michael Vick and I see where God has brought him from its restorative justice. It is about second chances. He exemplifies the true spirit of what it means to be a black man in 2021 who has influence. I could have called anybody. I know quite a bit of people, I’ve been blessed to pastor quite a bit of people, mentor quite a bit of folk but this man right here, there is something about him. He’s like a brother. I remember us talking for hours about making this vision work So, when I looked at the church coming back (to in-person services) and the schools reopening and all of the chaos surrounding that I knew we needed to do something, I’m a scientist by education but I’m also a servant. I’m an entrepreneur but I’m also a servant and when I look at true servanthood I look at really giving my all for my people. I’ve seen 17 burials so far here.

I’ve seen hundreds and hundreds of folks in Atlanta, thousands with no underlying medical conditions affected.

COVID hit my house but we were blessed to escape. I’m vaccinated. Michael

Vick is not vaccinated. Interestingly enough, my wife is not vaccinated. Everyone has to make their own conscious decision. I am the man of my house however I respect my queen and I let her make that decision. Now, I’m praying that she gets there. She’s researching the vaccinations and I think she’s going to get vaccinated but in her timing.

My whole point with this event was education and action. Even if you’re kind of leery about the vaccinations, we can’t be leery to get tested. So, if we could just continue testing more frequently that’s a win. I want to make sure that people live and that they live the fullness of their life.

Toni Dominique: Both of you guys give a lot to the community and a lot of yourselves to other people. How hard is it to find a balance between family and work?

Michael Vick: Yeah. I mean, honestly, there are no excuses. There are only 24 hours in a day. I’m a natural leader. I think just being a quarterback and commanding a huddle for so many years and trying to tell people where to go, how to do it, and trying to accomplish getting to the end zone... the finish line, it’s still in me. I’ve asked them (my family) to bear with me in terms of understanding my persistence and passion to continue to be great and build a legacy.

However, I’m conscious of my responsibility to them and the time that I have to share with them, and how important it is. I try to make it a conscious thing in my life. If it’s seven days in the week, I might have to work three and be with the family four.

Sometimes it could be four and three but that’s the sacrifice. I sit them down and we talk about it and I think for the most part we’re all on the same page.

Toni Dominique: Communication is definitely the key and what about you Dr. Braddy?

Dr. Braddy: Well, Mike has his four and three/three and four and I’m still trying to work mine out. You know, God is working on me but I can say that I have been able to pour into my family. I pour into my family in a different way than maybe the average father would pour into their kids. My family knows, my wife knows that we’re in this together.

We’re a team. Team Braddy. Although I may get home at 11 o’clock and I may have to take a flight, go speak here, go here to have a meeting…I’m an extension of them and that when I go, they’re going. I’m trying to create that model to where you know although we’re in separate places at times, they can still know that daddy is out there doing what he needs to do to create a legacy. So, that when my one-year-old becomes my age, he can take the ball and head for the touchdown.

Toni Dominique: If you could tell the people that are kind of on the fence and trying to figure it out about

FOR MORE ON TONI DOMINIQUE: Instagram:@celebrityatl

getting the vaccine what would you say?

Dr. Braddy: I would say get the vaccine. Mike and I, we’re not different on this issue. I went through my research and I came out and said you know, I gotta get vaccinated. He’s just going through his research now. But I would say to the people, don’t listen to the media. Read and be informed. Get with your physicians and primary care providers. Be informed. Pray about it and live.

Michael Vick: Another thing we need to talk about is education. We never (prior to COVID) took the time to do research about what was being injected into our arms. Now awareness is being raised. Through COVID, we are researching and questioning, okay, what am I putting into my body. Just a short story and I hope people don’t take this the wrong way. My youngest son, when he was 1 ½ year old and speaking very clearly went to the doctor.

The doctor came by and gave him 3 shots in one day and he literally didn’t speak another word or really say anything (he was almost mute) for the next year and a half. I shared this to say, education is important. We need to know something about anything you put into your body. Obviously, we don’t know what caused this and we’re not you know pharmacists or anything but it’s something that we’re dealing with.

This collaboration was a great opportunity for me because Dr. Braddy and I, had different views on COVID vaccinations and because we had different views it made sense to come together. I’m just more than happy to be able to do this and to get educated.

Dr., Braddy and Toni Dominique Photos Courtesy of Toni Dominique

Toni Dominique: That is great. I really appreciate you for doing this interview and like both of you said education is definitely the key.

BONUS QUESTION Toni Dominique: Last Falcon’s question.

When you were playing, who would you say was the toughest team that you had to play in the league.

Michael Vick: For me the toughest team I had to play against… I split hairs on this one.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, you know 2002 Buccaneers, where they had Warren Sapp and Simeon Rice and Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber. It was a really, really good team offensively and defensively. Then in the later years, when I was here the Philadelphia Eagles had Brian Dawkins, Donovan McNabb, and Terrell Owens. You know, the reason that I probably never got to the Super Bowl was because of those teams. They always created a roadblock somehow in some way but at the end of the day, it was all fun and games. They were probably the two toughest opponents I faced during my time in Atlanta.

Facebook: Toni Dominique Visit www.tonidominique.net

Michael Vick and Toni Dominique Photos Courtesy of Toni Dominique SPECIAL EDITION 2021

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Photo Courtesy of Dr. Hairston

Interviewing Dr. Teresa Hairston Teneshia Phillips Dr.Teresa Hairston is a woman of leadership and legacy.

She is best known as the founder of Gospel Today Magazine and the Gospel Heritage Foundation. She is the author of five books, an ordained Elder and a dynamic preacher and teacher who loves to empower people using Kingdom principles. She is also a Certified (John Maxwell) Coach and Mentor that develops emerging leaders through seminars and one-on-one counseling.

Dr. Hairston is an internationally known and respected pioneer. In 1989, she established Gospel Today Magazine, with an investment of only $300, while working two jobs and being a single (divorced) mother to three young children. Over the 30 plus years of her leadership, Gospel Today grew to become the longest running and most widely-distributed Urban Christian Lifestyle magazine in history. In 2012, she retired from Gospel Today and passed this great legacy to her son.

In 1994, Dr. Hairston founded The Gospel Heritage Foundation, which educates worshipers to understand that Worship isn’t just a musical style, it’s a lifestyle.

In May of 2019, Dr. Hairston launched a new publishing entity: books2liveby.com. Already, the company is making strides as it strives to become the world’s #1 Virtual Bookshelf for the Urban Inspirational market.

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Thank you for taking the time to speak to our readers.

First, how are you?

I’m doing great. Thank you!

Your professional journey in publishing and ministry has been incredible. I love how you managed to merge the two. What do you love most about the work you do?

I love the fact that I get to share the Gospel in unusual ways. My vision is to “inspire, empower, inform and educate” through media. It’s definitely a different calling.

How did your book, Unstoppable, come about?

I was hospitalized in September 2019, diagnosed with double pneumonia and an “unidentified” virus. I would later learn it was COVID19. As the days wore on, I kept getting sicker. Doctors didn’t know what the virus was, but they knew my organs were shutting down. I was dying.

In the midst of that, a nurse came to me and said, “I don’t mean any harm, but do you have your end-oflife plans in place?” I was shocked!

The next thing I did was motion to my daughter to come closer to me.

I whispered to her, “Call people who can PRAY!” She did… and three days later, God healed me, and the fever the doctors couldn’t get control of broke. I was released 24 hours later.

Once I got back on my feet, I thought about the words of that nurse. I’ve always encouraged people to write and publish their stories, and I had not done it! So, with this book, UNstoppable! my “end-of-life” plan is in place!

opportunities. Most of us learned (through the Pandemic) that life is incredibly fragile, and we must savor the moments we have NOW! For many of us, we will think, speak and act differently. We won’t “return to normal” — we will be DELIBERATE about our DESTINY and INTENTIONAL about our IMPACT in the earth!

As a new Editor, I am interested in hearing your words of wisdom concerning publishing. What advice would you give to someone who aspires to enter the publishing industry?

Learn all you can. Read all you can.

Study what has been successful and what hasn’t and seek to learn why. Build relationships with credible people and create something that has your fingerprint; dare to be different.

Being fearless

means being

FAITH-

FULL.

In an interview you completed a few years ago, I read that you feel we should all be intentional about writing, sharing, preserving, and passing on our legacy. Considering the changes and challenges we have endured due to the Pandemic, what are some additional areas in which you feel we should be more intentional?

Thanks. Great question! The world has changed; mindsets have changed, but God is the same! We have new perspectives, new testimonies, and new

When you think about your legacy, how would you sum it up?

She dared to dream. She dared to do. She dared to win!

In your opinion, what does it mean to be “fearless”?

Being fearless means being FAITH-FULL. The challenge of life is that most of us have to admit we’re not always “FULL” of faith. But when “fear” creeps in, we stomp on it with faith! The more we stomp, the more we fill ourselves with faith and rid our lives, hearts, and minds of fear.

Would you mind telling us about a time (or times) in your life when you had to be fearless?

Wow! So many times! After my divorce, I felt shattered and broken but “glued” myself back together.

I had to be fearless after running out of money (so many times). I had to figure out ways to keep the business afloat. But I believed I was on the right path and told myself to keep walking forward.

I had to be fearless after getting to a “certain” age in life, wondering, “do I still have what it takes?” The answer is yes!! And I have even more wisdom. And best of all, my faith is more mature now than ever! Thank you, GOD! I’m excited and I’m… UNstoppable!!

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21

Living LUXE Bring Back Color

By Christina Owens

“For the last couple of years, everyone wanted to achieve the “be a minimalist” look. This was followed by the white, grey, beige wall paint trends, white cabinets, modern and uncomfortable, beautiful sofas. And guess what?? We did it! Now the space feels a bit cold with no warmth. I’m screaming, “Bring back the color!!”

C

urrent trends are focusing on pairing sustainable materials with earthy shades that will warm up any space. Earthy, grounded shades, such as bold, neutral wall colors - any shade of green, rust, mauve, red, neutrals, browns - will warm up your spaces.

However, we won’t completely give up on grey. Instead, we’re going for a much bolder, darker shade called “Urbane Bronze” by Sherwin Williams. Check them out. These colors are comforting and welcoming to your common spaces like your family room or living room.

Also, adding bold, large artwork will instantly liven up the space, adding drama and excitement. Touches of

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gold or brass and wood tones in your furniture and accent pieces will also warm up a room. 1980’s sculptural furniture in bold colors is also in!

Finally, antique mirrors and textured wall coverings add layers of depth to your space.

Houseplants have made a massive comeback with trendy, fashionable designs from the retro 1980s to today’s modern centric look. With Pinterest at your fingertips, you can effortlessly search for popular houseplants. Not only are they beautiful, but they also add a touch of nature to your space.

They are clean and filter your air, freshening up your home and getting rid of toxic pollutants while also releasing oxygen.

Design Credit: Christina Owens Photo Credit: Christopher Amaral

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23

The Elements of Marriage Dating in Marriage

By James and Monica Miller Photo Courtesy of The Millers

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L

et’s go on a date tonight. What’s a date? I’m glad you asked. A date is a romantic appointment or engagement with someone. If we dig into how a “date” is defined, we see that it suggests intentionality. To be intentional about something takes effort and effort only exists when we think something is worth the fight. Is your marriage worth the fight? If you feel so, then making an effort to date your spouse could make a world of difference.

Benefits of Dating Connection As adults, it can be easy to get consumed or bogged down with the everyday grind of life. Work, children, school activities, sports, church, etc., are all things that can put a real strain on your connections with your spouse. Taking the time to schedule a date night with your spouse can help maintain the all-soimportant connection between you and your spouse.

I mean, it was just a kiss, right? Wrong! That kiss at the end of the night was very intimate, just like the ever-so-subtle slide of the pinky finger to touch her hand with hopes of her moving her hand into mine so I could hold it. It’s the date that provides the vibe to get closer to your spouse, to love on your spouse, to be intimate with your spouse. Most married people have been together for quite some time and may have lost that intimate connection. Dating your spouse can help you remember why you fell in love in the first place. Who knows, maybe, just maybe, you can recapture that nervous but fantastic feeling you had when you realized that you were falling in love with a beautiful person with who you may be able to share your dreams.

Is your marriage worth the fight?

If you feel so, then making an

Happiness All the things previously mentioned play a role in the happiness of your marriage. I don’t know a husband or wife who doesn’t want to be happy.

Dating is where some of the happiest moments of your relationship will happen. Monica and I have had so much fun over the years while dating.

Whether going to the top of the Eiffel Tower to gaze out over the beautiful city of Paris or playing dodge ball with the balls from the ball bin at our local Walmart, we had FUN! The joy, laughter, and togetherness that were wrapped up in both of those dates made them more than significant.

Yes, we have done our fair share of playing together over the years. It has helped us enjoy life together for most of our lives, and that, in itself, makes me happy. I am also pretty sure that it is a scientific fact that married couples who have fun together share a happier marriage which translates into a better marriage.

Don’t fact-check that … just trust me on this one.

effort to date your

spouse

Sparks up your relationship My wife and I have been married for 17 years, and although we are usually the vibrant and energetic couple in most groups, it is still easy to find ourselves in a rut.

Becoming complacent and falling into a mundane marital existence is easier to do than most couples think. However, complacency can be a relationship murderer. Instead, keep your marriage alive by taking your spouse on an exciting or romantic or exciting or fun outing, just the two of you. There is nothing like making new memories with the one you love, and dating is a perfect way to do just that.

could make a world of

difference.

Intimacy I remember when I would take my wife out when she was still my girlfriend. The highlight of the night for me was getting that kiss at the end of the night. It seems so simple.

So, what are you waiting for? Go plan a DATE for you and your spouse and have a great time while benefiting your MARRIAGE!

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25

Being

fearless means not being

afraid to fail.

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HE IS FEARLESS THE MAN BEHIND THE AJ3REPORT:

ABNER JACKSON III

W

ould you please tell our readers about The AJ3Report?

I started my website in March of 2018; I was a media correspondent at VEU Magazine. Although I wrote for other magazines before that, I felt it was time to start AJ3Report. I cover a plethora of things. I do a Model Spotlight, Abners Angels (Interviews with models), Working Woman Wednesday, Abners Good Eats, Sneakerhead Saturday, and Shoutout Sunday. I also feature travel, sports, music, and plenty of pictures from media events.

What has been your greatest professional success and biggest lesson?

Attending the Black Music Honors Awards and covering the Atlanta Hawks practices, Atlanta Dream games, and Georgia Tech basketball games has been my greatest success. The biggest lesson is I do most stuff myself; help is hard to find. People that helped you at one point won’t help you anymore. It’s all part of the game.

Who has been your most entertaining interview to date?

Entertaining is my Angel Koren; her IG is @sorealsopretty. My favorite interviews were with Shirley Murdock, Dawnn Lewis, and Meelah Williams from 702.

When I was growing up, my neighbor was born with sickle cell disease. I watched him struggle through some days and miss days of school due to his illness, but he always had a smile on his face and ALWAYS had a joke to share. I’m aware that September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and I would like to know what information you would like to share regarding sickle cell disease? How has your diagnosis impacted your life?

Having Sickle Cell changes your life and isn’t for everyone. But, I think we are the strongest people on earth. After being hospitalized three to four times a year for about ten years, I moved to Atlanta for better healthcare. I was tired of my quality of life and wanted something better. I never knew God would open so many doors coming to Atlanta. It has made me one of the toughest people on the earth, and I appreciate life more than most people.

Would you mind sharing with us information on your book? What can we expect to learn? Where can we purchase it?

My book is called Through It All: Sanford Raised Me & ATL Saved Me; it came out in June of last year. My book is about my Sickle Cell diagnosis, graduating from college, the trip I got sick on, and how I relocated to Georgia, starting my website, being on TV, and a motivation chapter. I write about not giving up on your dreams and believing that whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve it. You can purchase my book on Amazon Books.

What does it mean to be fearless to you? Would you please share a time you displayed being fearless?

Being fearless means not being afraid to fail at anything and believing you can achieve anything. I was fearless during my move from Florida to Georgia for better healthcare. I left my support system to come here, even when I wasn’t guaranteed better healthcare. Although the first two years weren’t easy healthwise, it was worth it, and I don’t regret it one bit.

How may our readers connect with you?

AJ3Report.com. aj3report on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. authorabnerjacksoniii on Facebook and Instagram.

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27

Pit Stops for Hope Interview with Ray Wright

By Antonio Phillips

P

it Stops for Hope is a collaboration of the racing community united together for the betterment of America’s youth. We believe positive change will come to our community by investing in our children. Pit Stops for Hope plans to invest in our youth by primarily assisting food banks and academic instructors. Food and education work hand and hand in producing success.

Our mission is to replace poverty with hope in our community!

Ray, I think it is incredible how you combine your love for NASCAR with your foundation. How did this come about?

It was easy to come up with because of the big stage NASCAR carries. I knew we could create some donations by using our racing jobs.

Photos Courtesy of Pit Stops for Hope

“We believe positive change will come to our community by investing in our children.”

What do you love most about the work that you do?

John 13:34-35. I love people, all kinds of people. I get much more from people than they get from me.

It seems you have been a champion through all aspects of your life. So what keeps you motivated to help other people?

Jesus Christ. Loving other people fulfill my soul. Selffocus leads to depression.

How may our readers connect with you and learn more about your organization? @pitstopsforhope on IG & Twitter. Pit Stops for Hope on Facebook

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SPECIAL EDITION 2021

Let’s Heal…

“It’s okay to

trust Jesus

and see a therapist”.

By Quencia Mangum

M

any have heard the statement, “It is imperative to heal before entering into a relationship,” and often speaking about romantic relationships. While I couldn’t agree more with the statement, I have found that it is just as crucial to begin healing before becoming a parent.

Unfortunately, on many occasions, our children end up needing therapy because we, their parents, refuse to get the counsel we need when it is most vital. Maybe we assume that we’ll be okay if we keep moving forward and ignore our past issues. Perhaps we don’t know how deep our wounds are.

Around the time my first daughter, Laila, turned a year old and started to show personality, it was as if something triggered in my head. I immediately went into overprotective mommy mode. I didn’t want her out of my sight. I didn’t allow just anyone to hold her or even play with her. I’ve also had moments where it was difficult for me to embrace Laila. I soon realized that it was because she reminded me so much of myself as a little girl.

As a child, I would trustingly love and embrace everyone that I met. I loved to laugh and play. I loved to sing and dance. I saw the good in people, but I could also sense when something wasn’t right. I was sweet, sensitive, and quiet, yet full of life and hope.

As I grew older, I felt that these traits caused me to be abused at such a young age. I thought that I was too open, too vulnerable.

I recognized many of these traits in Laila and immediately started to panic. I wanted to protect her. But, there was also a bit of shame because, as a child, I couldn’t defend myself or even speak up so that someone else could. The burden of being Mommy, protector, and defender just became too much to bear.

Photo Courtesy of Quencia Mangum

One night after putting my girls in bed, I walked around the room crying and praying. I had recently read a devotional about obsessing as a parent and understanding that our children don’t belong to us; they belong to God. It was comforting. As I walked the room, I told God, “These are YOUR babies. You’ve allowed me to birth and nurture them, but they are YOURS. YOU take care of them. YOU protect them.” Once I wholeheartedly gave them back to God, a peace that I hadn’t felt in a long time came over me.

Now, I embrace Laila because of that little girl. God made her loving. God made her free. God made her affectionate.

God made her vibrant and hopeful. I never want her to be ashamed of that, nor is it her responsibility to carry the weight of her mother’s past. Instead, I want her to know that she is safe to live and be who she was created to be, fearlessly and shamelessly.

If you desire to be a parent, I encourage you to seek counseling so that the whole you will be raising your children, not the broken you. It’s okay to trust Jesus and see a therapist. You would be doing your children a great disservice if you raised them based on your fears and insecurities. Give them a chance to live and be who they are without toxic influence.

Most importantly, remember that they belong to God, and He has entrusted them into your hands only for a short while; you want to return them to Him in the best shape possible.

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“Where my Dawgs At?” “Where my Dawgs At?” Men, from this point on, I will pull no punches with you. We need straight talk as men.

By Carl Cox

I

f we say we care about each other, then honesty is crucial to our survival. Yet, we are being broken, beaten, and taken out of this world at four times the rate of women. But why?

I’ll tell you why. We struggle with two things: transparency and accountability.

Ego can be healthy for those who lack it and detrimental for growth if we possess too much of it. Unfortunately, ego, in most cases, is what stops men from truly being transparent with others. “Transparency” is a word I’ve found that can scare men.

Most of us, if we’re honest, have become great at hiding details of our lives. We don’t want someone “walking in our backyard” due to being afraid that an issue may be found and will expose us for the fake the enemy tells us we are.

Transparency doesn’t have to be a bad word and can be freeing.

In a world full of fakeness, why not be real and honest about who you are without any shadows or worries that may come from an outside party... that’s transparency. For some, they may have been open but sadly hurt by someone they trusted, causing them to shut down forever. But, that doesn’t have to be the case, as we’ll cover later.

Accountability

is being

transparent enough to trust other

men in

helping us remain at the top of

our lives.

Accountability is what most think they want, but they run from faster than an aggressive bear in the woods at the end of the day. As long as we look good, we don’t mind being accountable to other men. The struggle comes when we are challenged about being our best

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SPECIAL EDITION 2021

selves or possibly being told we’re not as great as we think we are.

Accountability is being transparent enough to trust other men in helping us remain at the top of our lives and those in our sphere of influence. It creates Intentional Men! I was recently a part of a Men’s Summit in Alabama where more than 300 men were striving to be the best for God, their families, and themselves. So, I ask you what I asked that weekend: “Men, where your dawgs at?” Where are the men who will allow you to be transparent and hold you accountable? Those men who are ready to help you grow mentally, spiritually, and physically? Who will tell you, “You’ve done well, sir, but you can do better”? Where are your trusted men who will be in the trenches of your daily life and when you need them most?

Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, these men will stand in the fire with you and refuse to bow down to the temptations or desires of this world. They will hold you accountable for your wins and losses. Where are your dawgs at?

Whether it’s marriage, business, parenting, health, or playing basketball, these men will answer the call to counsel and challenge you to be the man God created.

FIND THOSE MEN!

Father, I ask You to reveal the men needed to aid my brother on his journey into becoming an Intentional Man. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GET YOUR COPY & FOLLOW US! @FEARLESSLIFEMAG

WWW.FEARLESSLIFEMAGAZINE.COM SPECIAL EDITION 2021

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TP Management Group is a consulting firm that focuses on changing lives through entrepreneurship and empowerment. We achieve this goal by encouraging individuals to discover their purpose, develop a plan and pursue it.

We strive to work strategically and creatively to make brands more meaningful and profitable.

TP Management Group was founded by Teneshia Phillips in 2018. Teneshia is a certified Business and Life Coach.

Services: Business Development Business Coaching Non-Profit Startup Life Coaching

www.tpmgmtgroup.com contact@tpmgmtgroup.com @tpmgmtgroup

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Photo Credit: Macula Vision Media Makeup: Monica Pope