Spring Into Something Glorious

GLORIOUS Living M A G A I N Z E

Issue 3 June 2022

EXCLUSIVE The Butterfly Effect: Emerging from the Storm!

IN THIS ISSUE Editor's Interview: Be Renewed: Rise & Move Forward, This is That Time!

Mental Health: How are you really doing?

Self Aware. Self Care for Every Season!

Women Called to Ministry

GLORIOUS Living

CONTENTS EXCLUSIVE!

11

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT: EMERGING AFTER THE STORM

04

FROM THE PUBLISHER

06

BE RENEWED, RISE AND MOVE FORWARD: THIS IS THAT TIME

15

SPRING CLEANING FROM THE INSIDE

17

MENTAL HEALTH: HOW ARE YOU REALLY DOING?

26

GOD, WE THANK YOU!

Publisher - Gloria Green Editor-In-Chief - E. Claudette Freeman, Pecan Tree Publishing Literary Services Graphic Design - Omichele D. Gainey-Williams RoyalTeaEnterprises, LLC

20 A SPIRITUAL SABBATICAL

22 WOMEN CALLED TO MINISTRY

Contributing Writers: Renee Jones E. Claudette Freeman Cie Thomas Anita Faye Wilson Minister Genine Rumph MinisterBeverly Adderly

Glorious Living Magazine is a Christian living and lifestyle publication. It is published quarterly by Glorious Living Magazine LLC.; P.O. Box 1154, Boynton Beach, Florida 33425.

For advertising inquiries, story ideas or other information, please contact us at 561.350.5048 or glorious.living28@gmail.com.

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GLORIOUS Living

PUBLISHER'S COLUMN

By Gloria Green, Publisher

Greetings, Welcome to Glorious Living Magazine!

We are so glad that you have joined us., You are in for such a treat.

With all that’s happening around the world today, wars, a dramatic increase in gas and food prices, lingering COVID variations and resurgences, and the challenges that come with the cares of life, we can still have hope. It is good to know that God’s mercies are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness, oh Lord (Lamentations 3:22).

Author Ruthie Gray says, “Sometimes you just have to put yourself out there and be brave” That’s what this issue is about. We are focusing on refreshing, resetting, and marching into a season of new beginnings or renewed vision.

And it is possible, in April, the United States of America witnessed the first Black woman be voted in to serve on the US Supreme Court.

What an Honor! Congratulations to Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. We honor women like her who strive, believe in themselves, break barriers, succeed, and inspire other women. They set the standard for new beginnings and ascending despite attacks. Each of you is Ketanji Brown Jackson!

Thanks for stopping by. We are elated to share stories of triumph, health, power and hope! Continuous blessings upon you and enjoy your season of NEW and RENEWED! Gloria Green, Publisher Everything you put off, fail to create and refuse to start will have to go with you to the grave if you keep waiting for the "right time”.

Please hear me, whatever your dream was, I hope you hear it whispering in your ear, “I’m here, I’m still here.”

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RISE & MOVE FORWARD: THIS IS THAT TIME! Spring and the Easter season often cause to take a moment of reflection. We find the time ideal for assessing what needs to be purged, or renewed, or rebirthed in our lives. The death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ paints a marvelous image of life phases through which we will move. Such is the theme of this GLORIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE. We tapped two mighty women of God to help us walk through the questions of life’s challenges, springing back, moving forward, and rising in our lives in due season.

Elder Sylvia Woods has been married to Mark Woods for 34 years. They are the parents and grandparents of three sons, one daughter-in-law and two grandsons. She is an Elder at The Family Worship Church, an accomplished playwright, author, poet, and owner/operator of ChichiMa Productions, a gospel theater company. She retired in 2011 from city government in Palm Beach County, FL, after serving as the Assistant Director of Human Resources. She is saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost which is her greatest accomplishment yet!

Pastor Carla Mays is called to deliver the Word of God with power, authority, and transparency! She flows in a prophetic anointing that brings about radical change and spiritual transformation in the lives of believers around the world. Spearheading Women of Wisdom Ministry, Pastor Carla empowers women and girls of all ages to use the God given gift of wisdom to achieve a well prioritized balanced life and to gain insight into life's purpose. With over 25 years of sacrificial and dedicated service to the Lord, Pastor Carla has learned and reached the importance of faithfulness to the vision of pastoral leadership. In 2006, Pastor Carla co-founded (R.H.E.M.I.).

A church where lives are changed, love is felt, God is seen, and hearts are restored. She shares diligently in ministry with her beloved and devoted husband Senior Pastor Anthony S. Mays. She is the CEO of two successful companies: The Professionals Accounting Tax Services and ACM Productions. She is the executive producer of RHEMI's TV show "Restoration Now," which airs weekly on CTN Network.

Pastor Carla is also the manager of her daughters' International Dance Ministry known all over the world as "The Anointed Chenaniah Praise Dancers." Pastor Carla and her husband are loving parents to their beautiful daughters: Britni, Ashanti, Toni, Tiffany, Briana, and Acacia. She has dedicated her life to the service of the Lord and the advancement of His Kingdom.

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GLM: Why does God call or allow some to go through more challenging journeys than others?

ELDER WOODS: Listen, to whom much is given much is required according to Luke 12:48 so some will receive more challenging journeys because we are equipped and empowered to do so. The Bible tells us in 1 Cor 10:13 that God promised to never put more on you than you can bear. There is a measure of faith that is given to each of us, and God will not see any of us devoured through His process, so if He brought you to it, He will bring you through it by faith!

PASTOR MAYS: God calls, God anoints, and God qualifies. Everybody may have a calling, but the calling and anointing varies from person to person. The greater the call the greater assignment, the greater the anointing. The greater the test, trial, and tribulations the more challenging the journey.

For example, Joseph and his brothers, they all had a call to lead, but only one of them had a call to be a deliverer. All were called to lead but only on had a call to the palace. The one that was called to the palace was sent as a forerunner to Egypt to deliver the family from famine. To prepare a way for the family to come out of Egypt as a nation. Again, the greater the assignment the greater the anointing.

GLM: We often hear that God was not caught off guard by anything we encounter - even the most traumatic things. How can we discern God's providential will or hear His voice in those things?

ELDER WOODS: It is important to understand that God promised in Hebrews 13:5 to never leave nor forsake us so when we are walking through these traumatic times God is there! We see the hand of God working when we step out on faith and the load gets lighter, this confirms that we are in His will! We have to get in God’s presence to hear his voice, discern and move by His spirit.

His word says in John 10:27 that my sheep know my voice.

BY FUJIKO JACKSON PASTOR MAYS: Because we are in relationship with God, it's our job to know the voice of God, to stay in fellowship with God. Because of fellowship we therefore have faith in God, and we trust God. Proverbs 3 says trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path.

Jeremiah 29:11 assures us of God's plan for our lives. That includes difficult times . Then the Bible tells us in Psalms 119 that it was good for me to be afflicted so I can learn the ways of God. So, it's not always going to be flowery beds of ease. We wouldn't know we needed a savior until we needed saving and we wouldn't know we needed a healer until we needed healing. Our job is to trust him. To know according to his word that it is his will is to bring us to his expected end... A Good End. GLM: The Bible records varying stories of people who were raised from their illness, status, situation and even death. Is resurrection from our personal matters purposed by God? ELDER WOODS: Absolutely! We all have been given a measure of faith and we serve a God who does exceedingly, abundantly, above all we can ask or think according to the power that worketh within us. Therefore, the power is within us to rise above our circumstance because of the one who resides within us! Luke 8:34-48 talks about the woman with the issue of blood suffering 12 years, but it was her faith in Jesus that made her whole!

Your faith will see you through if you trust him!

GLM: How does the enemy move to seek us from rising again and ascending from things meant to kill, still and destroy?

ELDER WOODS: The enemy comes in all shapes and sizes therefore we must ask for discernment to see those things that are coming against us and learn how to war in the spirit against these things! 1 Peter 5:8 tells us to be sober, and vigilant; because our adversary is seeking whom he may devour.

But we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus!

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PASTOR MAYS: As Christians, we know Jesus has already defeated Satan for us (Colossians 2:15) However, it doesn't stop him from trying to steal, kill, and destroy. The Bible says that the enemy walks to and fro seeking whom he may devour.

There are many strategies that the enemy uses to keep us defeated: Such as Fear which is Satan's primary weapon., Pride (Which precedes a fall), Sin Lies and Deception. He uses these tactics to knock us down and deceive us. He wants us to believe that we cannot rise up from where we are.

Instilling fear, utilizing lies, and making sin look appealing is how the enemy moves to stop us from being restored. That’s why we must continue to use the word God as a weapon of warfare against the enemy. DECLARE THIS DAILY: No weapon formed against us shall prosper. Isaiah 54:17 It is the primary goal of the enemy to make sure that we do not rise past the hurt and pain. The enemy sends purpose killers. He is described as our adversary who is a roaring lion that walks about seeking when he may devour. He’s looking for a crack, the lame. The week and wounded. He’s looking for those that is hurt int he church. And through distraction and injury and improper discernment he keeps us focused on our condition, rather than God and our confession. He will keep us from rising again and coming out of the things that are meant to steal kill and destroy.

GLM: What does it mean for the Kingdom of God when we choose to rise from the ashes and ascend into our God-given purpose?

ELDER WOODS: Fulfilling our purpose means everything to God because fulfilling the great commission to go and make disciples of men is purpose driven. Which means, our purpose is tied to that great commission. We are one body with many members and each one of our purposes is needed to fulfill the commission!

PASTOR MAYS: As believers rising up should be a responsibility not a choice. When we choose to rise, we advance the kingdom and make the devil a liar.

Rising up is essential for the believer because the Kingdom of God is not a place that we can see with the natural eye, however, the Kingdom resides on the inside of us.

When we rise from the ashes and step into our God given purpose, it is then that we advance the kingdom. Romans 8:19 says for the earnest expectation of the creature is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. In other words, creation is waiting for us to rise up, know who we are, and step into purpose. When we as believers rise up, we advance the Kingdom and fulfill the great commission.

GLM: What has been one of your most critical personal resurrection to ascension moments and what did you learn through it?

ELDER WOODS: As a young woman I battled with low self-esteem but as God grew me through my God-given purpose my self-confidence grew! When we are in Christ, we are new creations! I exist now as a new, confident, and sure Christian! I learned that if I live for the Lord, He is my assurance and my confidence, and I know that I can be everything He called me to be! My spirit man just jumped when I typed this answer!!

PASTOR MAYS: For me, this was unquestionably when my husband Bishop Mays had a stroke, and everything went from bad to worse. I even watched him code. The enemy wanted to make me a widow.

However, my faith and trust in God kicked into overdrive as I prayed for him to live. The Word of God tells us in the book of Jeremiah, "For I know he plans I have for you says the Lord." I knew God gave me the ability to withstand that. During that time, my husband had to learn to walk again and learn to speak again. God showed me that I was much stronger than I knew. I went from being just the first lady to preaching every Sunday, running both the church and our household as well as our business while going to see him daily for the five months that he was in the rehab facility. Today, my husband is back preaching with power and walking. I like to tell my husband that we went from a stroke to a stride. God allowed us to experience restoration, resuscitation, and full recovery.

GLM: For those in that hard place, where getting up again and seeking purpose - even trying another day - what is your word of encouragement for them?

ELDER WOODS: You may be facing adversity, but God walks with us through the fire. Get in a quiet place and tell God all about it, pray! Don’t be afraid to seek Godly counsel with someone you trust.

Read your word. Fast because some things are only going to break through fasting and prayer. I thought I was nothing at one time in my life, but God made something out of nothing for His glory and so that I can encourage you today! With God all things are possible!

PASTOR MAYS: The Word of God tells us that the suffering of this present time cannot be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us. You have to remember that your purpose is always bigger than your pain. From the valley of the showdown of death to the mountain top. Nothing is ever wasted when it comes to your purpose. As believers, we know we enter every fight from a position of victory and that our present situation is not your final destination. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and know that these light afflictions will not last always.

Remember, weeping may endure for a night, but joy is coming.

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Emerging After the Storm BY: RENEE JONES

When you least expect it, life has its way of stopping you in your tracks. No matter what you do, what you say, or how nice you are - we all will have our turn to experience the highest of highs and the lowest of the lows. How will you get through it?

When he failed to come in what I thought was a reasonable time, I called him on the phone, and he assured me that he was going to stop by within an hour or two. After a brief pause, I went into my bedroom to ask my husband if he had heard the gun shots as well. He replied that he had Here I was at one of the heard them, telling me not to highest points in my life worry. when suddenly tragedy struck. In 2011, I decided to Still feeling uneasy, I went back share my personal story with to the computer to try to the world – I released my first resume my work. Even though I book titled: Let Go and Let had so much to be grateful for God. After overcoming an a wonderful family life; abusive relationship, drug overcoming a battle against a addiction, the death of my chronic lung disease; and the mother, and a shocking release of my new book – I diagnosis of a chronic lung forced myself to sit in front of disease, I thought I had the computer in order to experienced it all. After all I distract myself from this had been through, absolutely growing feeling of unease. nothing could have prepared me for the tragedy that Sensing my apprehension, my awaited me – the death of my husband also tried to distract son. me from my concern by sharing with me a text Just one day after the official message from his friend who release of my book, I was had just reviewed my book. home, parked in front of my Just as I allowed a smile to computer working on creep across my face, a man materials to promote my came yelling with a panicked book, when suddenly! I heard voice outside our bedroom a sound that shook me to the window. “Hey, come quickly! core. While the sound of Trevin just got shot!” gunfire is nothing new in my neighborhood, somehow, I Sadly, my son did not survive. had a feeling that this time After lingering for two weeks around would change my life on life support, he passed away forever. I had no idea how on October 31, 2011. Although badly. Call it a mother's the pain of losing him is a intuition, but something was constant reminder of his different that time around. I passing – the shining light had just spoken to my son through it all is that my about an hour prior to husband and I decided to hearing that sound. donate his organs and because of that decision – he helped It had been a while since I save the lives of many. had last seen him, so I demanded to see him right Emotional Rollercoaster away and he assured me he was coming over.

Dealing with such a tragedy has definitely dealt me a paralyzing blow.

I cannot begin to tell you the emotional sting this tragedy has caused me.

When experiencing tragedy, we often go through stages of emotional expressions of sobbing and madness, and often times it happens when you least expect it. Even those who are normally quite unemotional may experience a great deal of unstable emotions during these times. But as they say, it is not what you go through, but it is how you go through it.

Let me tell you now, I got through this only by the Grace of God! That is the only way that I can explain it.

But, if you walk in faith, you will come out better than when you went in. Do not give up! God has healing for your sorrow! If you are hurting right now due to a loss in your life, a new beginning awaits you. You may not understand it all at this moment, but you must trust God to work it out for your good.

What the enemy intends for your harm, God will turn around for your good!

If you find that your grief has become unbearable, don't be ashamed to seek a professional counselor, social worker, or pastor. God has equipped them to help you along the way. It is Depression was a major part of okay, you are not alone! We all this emotional rollercoaster. need help from time to time.

One minute I was smiling and laughing and the next minute I was crying uncontrollably. It You must take back your power didn’t take much for me to get and that takes some of the sting there. Just the mention of his out of the problem when you name would shut me down, decide to accept what is sometimes for days. I was so happening.

Once we wrapped up in my depression, acknowledge what is it started displaying physical happening, we are able to focus symptoms. That chronic lung on solutions. If your mind is at disease that I had finally gotten an emotional state of under control started to flare uncertainty, you won't be able up again – back to an inhaler I to weigh out the possible went. It was undeniably a dark solutions. With problems comes time in my life. But I did not stress and stress usually puts give up! I fought and continued the mind and body into to fight every day that I am confusion. Seek help if you need reminded, he is no longer here. it!

Because I had written a book titled, “Let Go and Let God,” Trust the Overcomer in You! people would try and tell me how I should and should not When dealing with life and all feel. Knowing what you know that it has to offer, keep in mind does not exempt you from that everything will not always feeling the effects of life! It go as planned.

We will takes more faith to go through experience difficult times, it’s something triumphantly than inevitable. The difficult times in to be delivered from it. There life help us to appreciate when are some who experience things are going well. complete deliverance from grief after a huge loss, but that doesn't happen to everybody.

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Take a deep breath and take a moment to look for the learning opportunities and make a conscious decision that you will not allow your experience to break you. You are an overcomer! Cultivate your faith, courage, and resilience. The more of these types of qualities you use to arm yourself with, the lesser the impact of the adversity.

There is an old saying that says, “Tough times don’t last always, but tough people do.” Stand strong, be encouraged, and fight the good fight of faith. Whatever it is that you may be dealing with is no hard job for God. You have what it takes to win! He has equipped you with everything you need to overcome the matter. You are strong, and you are capable.

Pray, have faith, and always do your best. Until your breakthrough shows up, keep focused and transcend your pain and find peace.

It is so important for us to look deep down into our hearts and see ourselves as overcomers through Christ Jesus because if we do not, then we will give in to giving up.

Because the enemy recognizes greatness in you - he wants to weaken you – make you feel small-minded and small in spirit so you will live a small, frustrated life. You are better than that!

Whatever your situation is today, God knows about it. And if you will give Him your problems and follow His leading, you will access His grace and power and be more than a conqueror.

Here is a scripture that has helped me to stay reminded of who I am in Christ and live with victory over the hardships I have faced: 1 John 4:17 (NKJV), “Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.”

Whenever you find yourself in the middle of a storm - here are seven keys that will help you to emerge with the victory: 1. Allow yourself to grieve.

2. Surround yourself with family and friends.

3. Seek professional help.

4. Pray and mediate.

5. Give yourself permission to smile.

6. Find a support group.

7. Do not give up.

In spite of whatever it is you may be facing – your life is not over! Therefore, live your life to the fullest, love from the depths of your soul, and laugh aloud - as often as you can.

Remember, the sun always shines after the storm, and you will emerge with the victory.

Jones is an Amazon bestselling author; Certified Life Coach; Donate Life Ambassador; Board Member of the University of Miami Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency Medical Advisory Board on behalf of donor families; and a member of the Donor Family subcommittee. Jones is a proud wife, mother and nana.

JUNE

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SPRING CLEANING

From the Inside

I can remember as a young child seeing a certain sparkle in my mom’s eyes. Out of nowhere she would announce, “IT’S SPRINGCLEANING TIME! “That meant we were going to clean the house from top to bottom and get rid of everything that no longer belonged. We don’t realize it, but we tend to hold onto things unnecessarily. When we really look around, we find so much leftover residue and clutter.

This is what happens inside the body as well. We bring in things that we don’t really need, some things that don’t digest well and a variety of toxins. And over time, it creates a traffic jam inside our bodies. It can also cause a buildup of toxins and bacteria that cause diseases and sickness. Our bodies give us the same warning signs it’s time for spring cleaning.

For 20 years I’ve battled the roller coaster ride of obesity. I would lose a few pounds and then turn around and gain it back along with a couple of extra. High blood pressure and sleep apnea had come in and set up camp in my life. Then rushing towards me like a tornado were diabetes and high cholesterol. I was out of control.

This was the warning sign I needed to sit down and take a hard long look at the temple God created and what I had done to it.

As I started to study the body and how sickness and disease comes, and how important it is to have a clean body on the inside so it can function and fight off diseases and maintain good health; I realized that there was a serious traffic jam inside my body. There was too much clutter for my brain to get the right signals to send to the rest of my body for it to function right. Everything was out of place. I looked at my weight, the medications I was taking, my blood work, my refrigerator, my pantry, and that was it! Time to clean up!

So, where do you start? Start by listening to your body.

Your body will tell you it’s time in several ways.

● Fatigue ● Aches and pains. Particularly in your joints ● Mood Swings ● Headaches ● Constipation ● Weight gain ● Inability to lose weight These are all signs of toxicity. Once you have identified the problem, you can move on to preparation. It’s time to detox. That’s the term for giving your body a good spring cleaning. The first thing to do is to take inventory. Go through your refrigerator and remove those things that really don’t add value to your body. A good place to start is with sugary drinks. Make water the go to drink. Throw out processed meats, cheeses and mucus causing foods. Then go to your pantry. I can name what is in there, from the sugary cereals to the white rice, white pastas, white sugar, cookies, and snacks. Take a minute and really assess the damage that your body has gone through from the clutter that type of food has caused. Organizing makes spring cleaning possible. You can purge and clear out the rubble and then put things in their proper place.

Food addiction is very real. Your body becomes dependent on sugar, salt, and starchy foods. Prior to detoxing, take a few days and ween yourself off the addictive foods and drinks. Start cutting back and eliminating them; then increase your water intake to at least a gallon a day. When our diet is full of mucus and acid forming foods, the liver has to work overtime. Detoxing will help you cleanse the liver so that it can function better to remove the toxins. So, get that water in to give it a nice flush! Fill your refrigerator and pantry with plant based whole foods, nuts and seeds and healthy grains. Your refrigerator should look like a colorful forest. I call it eating the rainbow.

● Leafy greens ● Green and purple Cabbage ● Tomatoes ● Avocados ● Carrots ● Squash ● Zucchini ● Olives ● Fruit ● Berries

by Anita Faye Wilson

Your body craves foods high in nutrients, healthy fats, and antioxidants. These foods promote a healthy gut which wards off sickness and disease. Eating the proper foods will detoxify the kidneys and liver and will allow toxins to leave the body through healthy bowel movements, urine, sweat and breath. A natural detox is by far the most effective way to clean the body. Your body responds positively when you put the best fuel inside. All of your organs and the lymphatic system will start functioning like a well-oiled machine. You will produce healthier and cleaner blood cells. Overall, you will feel so much better.

Maintaining a cleaner healthier you is just as important as detoxing. One thing I’ve noticed from detoxing is that it takes at least 21 days to really make a difference. Once you’ve spent at least 21 days doing something different, you will have created a new habit. Once a new healthier habit is created, you will become more conscious of not allowing the clutter to build up again. That in itself is the key. If you’re like me, it might take a while; I would revert to some of my old ways and allow clutter to start rebuilding. But because I know how hard it is to declutter the inner body now, I’m less likely to get out of control. And most importantly, I know how to get my health habits back under control should I slip.

I encourage you to give your body what it so deserves. Your body works hard year around to house your dreams, work, and abilities. Give it a gift in return and spring clean it.

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Cie Thomas Ah, springtime, that season in our lives where we find ourselves deep in thought about purpose and life refocusing. As we spring clean our closets, cupboards, offices and even our vehicles, we think about doing the same for our minds and spirits.

We spoke with Cymone Lashae, Mental Health Advocate and Chief Executive Officer of A Sound Mind Incorporated, about the importance of taking a moment to assess whether our emotional and mental health need a checkup, or some decluttering.

by Editor-in-Chief E. Claudette Freeman

“I do believe in prevention and being precautious, as opposed to trying to catch up afterwards. I try to get proper rest. I'm very busy – like most people. I work full time in my organization. I have a lot on my plate. But I try to schedule time to take care of myself, to rest, and make sure that I am well. Because I do live with mental health disorder. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, so I have to be especially intentional about getting rest and not being getting burnt out.” For far too many of us, rest is considered a negative thing. Taking time to sit still, steady your breathing and thoughts, calm and listen to your seems like slacking off. While napping (or resting midday) is a part of some cultures, it is viewed as slothfulness in America. Lashae says there are seven different types of rests that we should consider this Spring, or at any season when overwhelm and hectic days have become the norm. Sleeping is rest, but also rest comes from taking time off of social media. That's a big thing for me, taking time off social media to be present with your family or with your work, or even with yourself, just to be present and enjoy the nature.

Getting outside is super important in managing depression. Often when we get depressed, we want to stay in bed; we don't want to get out but getting that extra vitamin D is truly a blessing. Resting from negative people and environments is key.

Like social media, resting from the variety of news and newsmagazine programs is also vital. Learning to regulate information overload and your emotional response to it is critical to resting. Practicing some regular form of self-care is a great tool of rest; as is practicing some form of spiritual care, including meditation, prayer, worship and fasting.

When it comes to coming off of social media, or restricting, Lashae admits that can be difficult especially if part of your business or professional life requires it. She talks about how she manages it her life. “I have different social medias accounts. I know a lot of us do. I have Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook. One of the big things I will say is that the unfollow button will bless you! Unfollowing is huge, and I'm quick to hit that button. And people are like I don't want to hurt my friend's feelings or my family. I can't take them off, but there are ways on social media that you don't have to, they don't have to know. But they're off your feed and you don't have to take in that negative energy or whatever they're putting out that you can't necessarily consume all the time. That's not good for you to consume all the time. That's jeopardizing your mental health.”

Self-care must also become something we teach and share with children, and Lashae encourage men to be more open to.

“Children mimic what they see and when they see you taking care of yourself, they're more apt to take care of themselves.

When they see you making self-care a priority, they're more likely to make it a priority. Be intentional about teaching your child what self-care looks like, I grew up thinking it was just manicures and spa days and things like that. It is journaling, meditating, sharing your truth, doing something creative that helps you get in touch with you are. It is important to instill in your child what self-care is and how they can best take care of themselves. I don't think a lot of men realize the importance of self-care. And I think one of the big things, especially with minority men is feeling like they have to be strong all the time. Lie they can’t be human, can't feel their emotions. We have to assure them that they don't have to be strong all the time.

Lashae wonderfully points out that were some telling ways to identify if you need to kick your self-care up a notch to ward off potential cracks in one’s emotional and mental armor.

“Wanting to stay in bed is a huge one. Not being able to get up and get out. Not feeling like you have purpose. You are not motivated. You're not interested in doing the things that you are used to doing. A lot of people have a certain picture in their mind as to what depression should look like. And it's not necessarily crying all the time or anything like that. It can look different for different people. And so, when you start seeing the behavior changes in yourself and you start noticing that you're sleeping more than usual, or you're sleeping less than usual. You're eating changes suddenly or strangely, it's time to pay attention and see what might be going on.”

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These are also red flag signs for parents to look for in younger people, pre-teens to college age. Lashae some things may be indicative to development, but that’s not always the case. “Behavior changes that are not always typical. Teenagers, their attitudes aren't changing, they're growing, learning themselves, finding themselves. But when you see persistent behaviors that are out of their personality, I say pay attention to those types of things. And even with adults, a big thing is anger.”

No matter what life challenges are upon you, or whatever life shifts have thrown you out of order, there are some steps that you can do from a preventative standpoint. Getting outside is huge. Going outside for as little as ten minutes a day can make a significant different in our emotional health, and the change of environment may also clear up intellectual blocks. Having a strong support team and system that you can go to is critical. This may be a team of professionals like a therapist and your primary care doctor. It could also be a ministry connect group, or another group where you are encouraged to share without judgment and with solutions. Again, Lashae says, “try to stay away from people who are draining, who are stressing you out and things like that. Having boundaries and saying no sometimes helps you.” She also encourages staying active, honoring dates to hang out with friends. The important thing Lashae notes in to be social over isolating yourself. Mental and emotional health challenges often bloom in isolation.

Putting a new spring step into your emotional and mental self-care also requires that you be self-aware. As Lashae insightfully points out we are super aware of everything else and everyone else. “We are aware of everything with social. We're aware of everything on the news, we're aware of everything on every reality show. But we may not necessarily be aware with self. So how do you make sure you're always self-aware?”

Being self-aware means checking in on you. Asking the needed questions: how am I really feeling today? Am I overwhelmed or fearful of something? Why am I worried about this? What is going through my mind when I am not sleeping at night? What do those thoughts indicate about what is going on with me? Who in my life can I really talk to? How is my body feeling today? What are my vital signs and when is the last time I checked them for me?

“I think doing check-ins with yourself, looking at total situations, is big. I'm the type of person that looks at the good and the bad thing. But I'm also the type of person that looks at me in a situation. And we should do that. If somebody did wrong to us, were we also wrong in that situation, could I have done something differently to best serve me.”

Partnering with individuals to address mental and emotional health concerns must also happen at the family level and within religious organizations. The conversations must be boldly introduced and continued. Lashae adds, “The more that we're educated about mental health disorders, the better we'll be able to approach the next person and be more supportive to them, as opposed to being more damaging. Because a lot of people have good intentions, they just don't know how to approach situations. So, they can be accidentally disheartening. Remember, it's hard to sometimes express how you're feeling and how you want to be treated, so that best thing often is to be to be a comfort and support for someone in that situation.”

A Season for Spiritual Sabbatical

Escaping the cares of life is often not an easy task. Finding a quiet place to escape unpaid bills, family problems, work challenges and health issues can at times seem impossible. Even Jesus needed quiet time to withdraw to a solitary place to be alone with God and pray (Mark 1:35). This year make plans to bring balance and purpose back into your life by taking a spiritual sabbatical.

Typically practiced by educators and religious leaders, a sabbatical is a rest from work and usually occurs every seventh year. However, with the recent turn in the economy and the massive loss of jobs many have been forced into an unsolicited time to reflect and re-examine the direction of their lives. Whether home or away, carefully mapping out a plan can help to make the most of your down time.

Grab a journal and begin to sketch out a blueprint. Each segment of the journey should fit neatly together to create the perfect environment for quiet time with Jesus. Begin planning early; it is important that you take the necessary steps to experiencing God on another level. Make arrangements for a babysitter and/or pet sitter; this is your time to focus on tapping into your spiritual lifeline. Establish a goal; decide what you want to get out of your time with the Lord. Determine why you need a sabbatical and what is required to carry-out your plans. Do some soul-searching to determine what it is that you want to do: take a class, tour the Holy Land, or simply get closer to God. Assess your budget and decide whether or not you can travel to a remote, tranquil location or create a quiet oasis at home. Use your sabbatical for a positive, spiritual experience.

Laying the building blocks is sure to strengthen your spiritual foundation.

Whether you have carved out a niche in your home or have the option of traveling to a secluded location, finding a quiet spot away from the distractions of the world is ideal in making a spiritual connection with God. Dubbed Selah Time by Minister Dorrine Jones of Dorrine Jones Ministries, Inc. in Media, PA. Based on her personal prayer life, Minister Jones birthed an inspirational paperback and a musical CD entitled, Come Away that offers the spiritual tools that invite seekers into the presence of the Lord.

Jones believes these tools are vitally important for the believer who desires to attain a deeper intimate relationship with God. Armed with the right tools, finding a tranquil location is just a few clicks away. Atop the majestic Georgia Mountains is Cedar Creek Cabins in Helen, GA. Turn in any direction and you experience God’s creative announcement. The inviting mountain view, the alluring ripples of the river create the perfect backdrop for some one-on-one time with God. For a few days you can settle into one of Cedar Creeks’ luxury cabins and enjoy a little piece of heaven on earth as you begin to seek God for guidance and direction.

Want to experience God in a corporate setting, journey cross country to the JST Renewal Program at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, (formerly the SAT Sabbatical program at the School of Applied Theology in Oakland, CA).

People in mid-life, from around the world, sometimes weary, confused but always hopeful join other brothers and sisters in Christ at the Sabbatical at SAT to revive their spirits and find new meaning for their lives. Your sabbatical experience is enriched by the mild climate and breath-taking scenery of the Berkeley/San Francisco Bay area. SAT offers spiritual direction, prayer groups, praise time and plenty of rest and reflection. Christians in mid-life are nurtured, refreshed, and renewed.

Nestled in a 19-acre enchanted forest in Westfield, MA is Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center.

This is the ideal setting for nature enthusiasts to become one with God and His awesome handy work.

The secluded hide away creates the perfect setting for spiritual rebirth. Genesis’ devotion to the land, sensitivity to atmosphere and carefully designed programs allow guests to experience God’s providential care. The staff is committed to designing and hosting programs that foster a holistic integration of mind, body, and soul. You can reflect on life in a completely relaxed, unstructured setting.

Genesis’ health-focused design allows for greater awareness of God, the creator. “Our visitors say they feel like they are coming home,” said Donna O’Connor programming coordinator for the center.

Genesis prides itself on its’ efforts of hospitality.

Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center was founded in 1976 by the Sisters of Providence of Holyoke, MA. The Sisters, who own the center, are a community of women with more than 100 years of service in the healing ministries. There are also spiritual retreat centers in Central Florida and other parts of the country that offer an array of amenities to accommodate the best sabbatical environment for you.

Don’t underestimate the value of spending time restoring and rejuvenating your spirit man. Spiritual sabbaticals are the perfect way to free yourself of schedules and deadlines while you take advantage of some time alone with God in prayer and meditation.

Right in your backyard are wonderful spiritual retreats, seminars and programs geared to get you back on track – body, mind, and spirit.

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2022 ISSUE 03|20

Omichele D. Gainey is the owner of RoyalTea Enterprises, LLC and the graphic designer of Glorious Living Magazine. She is also author of Thirty-Five Days to Breakthrough and The Pocketbook to Healing, both available on Amazon.com. She also serves as the Senior Pastor and Co-Founder of Rehoboth Empowerment Center, Inc. in Gainesville, Florida.

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The questions and concerns of women in ministry has been one of the most controversial dialogues within Christianity. I am a living witness that God really does call women to ministry. In 2004, the late Rev. Lance Chaney prophesied a word from the Lord that I would be the first female preacher and trailblazer at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Boynton Beach, Florida. I pondered the notion in my mind for years until one day the Lord spoke to me with clarity in a dream about what Pastor Chaney prophesied.

I was standing before many people with a microphone in my hand. Twelve years later, on September 24, 2017, the prophesy was fulfilled. I was licensed as the first female preacher at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in its 109-year history. The licensing officiated by Rev. Dr. Jovan T. Davis, St. John’s Senior Pastor.

Although this was an astounding day for me to rejoice and be exceedingly excited for this ascension; it was not easy being the only and the first!

There were challenges. It was nerve wrecking standing among all male preachers, especially in a Baptist church that never had a woman preacher. The challenges were real! One of those challenges was intimidation. I was intimidated during ministry dialogue meetings because I felt my knowledge was less than others. Often, I would not know what to say or when it was appropriate to say it. Many days I wanted to not show up at church when it was time to preach a three-minute sermonette.

Why? I felt unprepared standing with all those men; until one day God reaffirmed that He called me, and I did not call myself. Those whom He calls, he equips.

Obstacles seemed to show up every time when questions were raised concerning the church’s 1982 traditional Constitution And

By Laws. The challenges would be around Article IV of the same on Licensing and Ordination of Women.

Minister Genine Rumph

St. John Missionary Baptist Church

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The questions and concerns of women in ministry has been one of the most controversial dialogues within Christianity. I am a living witness that God really does call women to ministry. In 2004, the late Rev. Lance Chaney prophesied a word from the Lord that I would be the first female preacher and trailblazer at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Boynton Beach, Florida. I pondered the notion in my mind for years until one day the Lord spoke to me with clarity in a dream about what Pastor Chaney prophesied.

I was standing before many people with a microphone in my hand. Twelve years later, on September 24, 2017, the prophesy was fulfilled. I was licensed as the first female preacher at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in its 109-year history. The licensing officiated by Rev. Dr. Jovan T. Davis, St. John’s Senior Pastor.

Although this was an astounding day for me to rejoice and be exceedingly excited for this ascension; it was not easy being the only and the first!

That article stated, “this church shall not license or ordain women to preach the gospel by the said church.” Bylaws can be a way of preventing an undesirable event from happening. Unfortunately, they can also present a poor reflection of God’s Word. In the New Testament it clearly says that a leadership role is not overlooked for a woman in today’s society.

After superseding my hurdles of fear, I found myself becoming more bold and comfortable standing before the people and declaring God’s Word with power and authority. He has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. In Luke 2:8 Mary Magdalene was the first preacher to go spread the Good News to the brethren about Jesus having risen!

I started out teaching an all-women Sunday School class and it grew to a large capacity once I realized fully that God had called me. It took unwavering trust, obedience, and faith to push through hurt, disappointment, fear, and envy. God spoke to me in a dream to leave familiarly to go to a strange land I was not accustomed too. It was St. John, where my gift would be laid at the altar. In obedience, I left my home church, family, and friends. Once established, I went from singing in the choir to God calling me higher in ministry.

One of the other areas of opposition, bitterness and challenge was about my possessing the right credentials to be a preacher. I enrolled in Moody Bible College and Palm Beach Atlantic University for four years and received a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry. It was toiling, late nights of studying, exams, library computer use, and every Tuesday and Thursday evening traveling to West Palm Beach. I appreciate that toiling the most because it prepared me for what was to come, preaching preparation!

The late Rev. Chaney always encouraged me to not lose heart and to keep getting up there to preach! My current pastor, Rev. Dr. Jovan T. Davis always gives me a platform to polish my skills and a microphone to let my voice be heard declaring the Good News to the lost and left out world. You will be challenged as a woman in ministry no matter what! Accept it and learn to deal with the criticism. As a female, you will have to go the extra mile when men won’t have too.

May I encourage you to never lose heart. Keep striving to do better each day and never allow negativity to set you back. I always keep good friends around to polish and push me to purpose, challenge me to study, pray and fast with me on a regular basis. My vision for this position is to set an example for other women to follow and see how God uses them for His Glory. God’s purpose for His women serving in either of the fivefold ministries is to know and realize that we did not choose ourselves, but we were chosen and ordained by God to fulfill His will on the earth. Be faithful to the call, be obedient at His word and trust that He will never leave nor forsake you! The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Heed the call!

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BY MINISTER BEVERLY ADDERLY

Our Father which art in heaven, we glorify your Holy name!

We lift you up above every sickness and disease and any illness that tries to invade our mind mentally or attack our bodies physically! You are the Lord thy God that heals us continuously!

We thank you Lord for the women you’ve empowered before us to lay a foundation of hard work, integrity, persistence, and perseverance while pursuing their purpose through you and for you. We thank you Lord and appreciate the hard work of our teachers that have worked hard and diligently to speak up for their rights and the rights of the students in our schools during much adversity. Father, we will never forget that it’s you that works the will in us to do good things that please you.

Finally, we know there are three things that remain, faith, hope and charity which is also described as love. Love being the greatest of these because you first loved us. Father you gave your only begotten son Jesus to die for us while we were yet sinners, just so we could be reconciled back to you and fulfil your original plan. All we must do is accept the gift of life through Jesus Christ by faith, and we will receive eternal life. Your will for us is that we live life in abundance on earth and live life in eternity with you.

Now that’s LOVE! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Minister Beverly Adderly, along with her husband and prayer partner Pastor Larry Adderly, founded the ministry Greater Light Ministries Worship Center, Inc. in 2018. She serves as the administrator and associate marriage counselor within the church for the auxiliary Marriage is a Ministry. Her heart is for the people of God to be reconciled back to God regardless of race, creed, or color.

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