Kingdom Woman Spring Issue #1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

FEATURES

TRANSFORMED BY HOLY SPIRIT-45

An inspiring interview with Lady Victory Vernon about Holy Spirit’s influence in her marriage, motherhood, & ministry

GETTING YOUR LOVE STRAIGHT-52

Editor-in-Chief

Daveta Brown gives real talk about where to put the weight of your love

HEALING THE INNER ME-30

Prophetess Dana DyerHines recounts her personal journey towards inner healing and the importance of recognizing self-worth

A SEASON CALLED SOFT-59

Having weathered the challenges of hard seasons, Reverend Phyllis Linnes highlights the importance of self-care, submission, & the reality of a season called "soft "

CHAPLAINCY IN ITS PUREST FORM: MY PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY -64

Chaplain Lezlie Harvey clears misconceptions by presenting straightforward insights into her journey, and the unique requirements of this calling

‘CHALLENGE ACCEPTED’ EMBRACING YOUR KINGDOM WOMAN IDENTITY-35

Know the meaning, embody the essence, and embrace the virtues

3 SECRETS OF A PRAYER WARRIOR-43

Embark on a journey of spiritual discovery as we unveil the fundamental keys to prayers that yield tangible results

RECIPES: GIRL GET YOUR GREENS -75

Get healthier as you discover creative recipes and delicious ways to elevate your greens game

POETRY FOR THE SOUL -63

Unveil the empowering perspective of triumph in "The Winning Woman" as it redefines challenges as victories

THE PROPHETIC PLACE -41

Expect recompense as Editor-in-Chief, Daveta Brown prophetically speaks about what happens when recompense comes

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

THE SACRED UNION SPOTLIGHT-7

Uncover the wisdom of married women as they provide valuable insights into the key elements required to nurture and sustain a successful marriage.

RESET YOUR HEALTH -37

Discover surprising ways Vitamin B12 can help you make it through the day

GAMETIME -57

See if you can match the emoji with a story of a woman in the Bible

THE OIL PRESS & DIVINE DESTINY -84

Daveta Brown, Editor-inChief, offers insights into the “why” behind tough trials

GOD’S POWERFUL PREACHING WOMEN -15

Delve into our tribute celebrating preaching women, where we shine a spotlight on the impactful ministry of Nona Jones

THE CHURCH MOTHER SPEAKS -12

Unlock practical wisdom for everyday living through the experiences and knowledge shared by church elders

CHRISTIAN COMEDY -27

See what happened in church when Sister Shubert testified

A QUICK WORD -40

When God becomes your bridge, you can do what you couldn’t do before

FASHION FORWARD -22

Explore the latest trends in church fashion as we reveal part 2 of the four essential "C's" of church attire, showcasing stylish and well-suited options

WELCOME to KINGDOM WOMAN

From Editor-in-Chief Daveta Brown

There's something incredibly comforting about settling into a cozy nook beside a flickering fireplace, holding my cup of tea, and diving into an enriching book Elevating this experience is the inclusion of an awe-inspiring magazine Yet, I encountered a predicament – I couldn't find a contemporary magazine tailored to the needs of Christian women. I craved something that was rooted in biblical teachings while also being novel, contemporary, and practical

Through this journey, I've come to realize that when you're unable to find what you're seeking, it might just be your calling to bring it to life Thus, with heartfelt prayer, I embarked on the creation of Kingdom Woman – an uplifting magazine for Christian women seeking inspiration

This publication follows a quarterly schedule, delivered digitally and in print to ensure both accessibility and convenience We need this magazine because while we encounter common experiences as the world, our guidance originates from God No longer do we have to sift through magazines in search of content relevant to us.

So, with a sense of eager anticipation, I extend an invitation to partake in a unique journey Get inspired and extend this discovery to fellow women It's my prayer that through this Magazine, you'll encounter a sense of unity, sisterhood, and deliverance May the pages of this publication become a conduit through which God's message touches your heart and transforms your life

Small things that make a big difference Sacred Union Spotlight

Marriage is a sacred covenant ordained by God, symbolizing a lifelong journey filled with beauty and challenges. Even in challenging times, there are valuable lessons to be gleaned. In this segment, our aim is to offer meaningful insights from enduring marriages to bless and support you in strengthening and sustaining your own

To begin, take a moment to reflect on the wisdom of Proverbs 12:4, portraying the wife as either a crown or a cross, highlighting the profound impact of personal conduct on the marital relationship At the core of this conduct is a practical consideration – “cleanliness,” a factor that can either make or break a marriage. What does it mean to be a “crown” to your husband? As Dr. Bill Edgar notes in the article "An Excellent Wife is the Crown of Her Husband," he underscores the following:

“The ideal wife in Proverbs is loyal, merry, capable, and strong, the perfect helper for her man His wife is the best thing he has going for him, refusing to use his weaknesses as an excuse for not fulfilling her marriage vows Like a crown on a king’s head, she signals to everyone that they should honor and respect this man.” [1].

By Daveta Brown, Editor-in-Chief

From the testimonies of lasting marriages, I firmly believe that being a helper encompasses “cleanliness.” In support of this, my parents shared a marriage that spanned over 50 years, with death, not divorce, ultimately parting them My mother consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining a clean house and personal hygiene She often recounted the story of her brother's divorce, attributing it in large part to the wife's lack of cleanliness. While recognizing that divorce decisions are complex and multifaceted, my mother underscored the pivotal role cleanliness played in his marriage dissolution.

It's crucial to note that the intention here is not to endorse divorce but to deliberately share this insight, acknowledging its significance as someone out there may need to hear it, a reminder, an encouragement to make needed adjustments

As mentioned earlier, maintaining cleanliness goes beyond having a tidy home; it also extends to hygiene and appearance A noteworthy perspective on this comes from Pastor Janeen McBath, the wife of Bishop Courtney C McBath She emphasized that church employees are well-groomed And as a housewife, at that time, she didn't want to greet her husband in an ungroomed state. She shared this insight many years ago, and her words have remained with me. Impressively, she and her husband have celebrated over 42 years of marriage. If you may have veered off course in your journey towards cleanliness and maintaining a polished appearance, don't worry Consider this a gentle reminder to help you refocus and get back on track

In conclusion, embracing cleanliness is not merely a practical aspect of daily life; it is a profound expression of love and respect within the sacred covenant of marriage By prioritizing cleanliness in both the home and personal appearance, wives contribute to a harmonious and nurturing environment Please be careful not to remain in the status quo or to be idle, meaning in the Hebrew, “sluggish” or slow to respond to what’s needed. As Proverbs 31:27 reminds us, "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."

Notes

It is my prayer that these things help someone Through intentional efforts, Christian wives play a vital role in creating a space that reflects the beauty and sanctity of their commitment, fostering a lasting and fulfilling marital journey.

1]. Dr Bill Edgar, “An Excellent Wife is the Crown of Her Husband,” Geneva College Website, Hushttps://www.geneva.edu/blog/biblical-wisdom/proverbs-124#:~:text=The%20ideal%20wife%20in%20Proverbs,not%20fulfilli ng%20her%20marriage%20vows. (Accessed 1.4.24).

ToBeCont’d

ScheduleforArticlesFromSampleIssue

We sincerely trust that the articles from the sample issue brought you inspiration Brace yourself for additional empowering content, as we have much more in store! Find the schedule below and remember to subscribe for continued updates.

SCHEDULE

3 THINGS YOU DON’T WANT TO FORGET WHEN PRAYING: Prelaunch & Issue 2

FASHION FORWARD: A SNIPPET OF CHURCH ATTIRE: Prelaunch, & Issues 1&2

HELP LORD I WANT INTIMACY: Prelaunch, & Issues 3&4

GOD’S POWERFUL PREACHING WOMEN: Prelaunch & Recurring

RESET YOUR HEALTH: Recurring

POETRY FOR THE SOUL: Recurring

FUN & GAMES: Recurring

AND SO MUCH MORE!

Kingdom Woman

“Where Grace Meets Her Story”

Why Kingdom Woman? Because We Give You:

The Word of God

Tough questions biblical answers

Hidden women in the Bible

Testimonials

Practical articles

Elder’s wisdom

Prophecy

Interviews

Games

Fashion

Poetry

Recipes

Health & wellness

Product suggestions

Good “News & Views”

Career info & more...

The Church Mother Speaks

By Daveta Brown Editor-in-Chief

Alright, buckle up for some wisdom straight from a valuable playbook! But before diving in, it's essential to note that the Bible says wisdom is crucial (Proverbs 4:7). Let's be real. The church mothers and elders are basically walking encyclopedias of wisdom and life hacks. But here's the kicker: are we soaking up their wisdom or just nodding? It's time to dive back into the treasure of gems these women of God gave us. And guess what? I'm dishing out this valuable information in this segment through personal interviews and epic stories For this premiere episode, let's pay homage to an incredible source of wisdom in my life: my mom She was legit the go-to guru for her children and many of my buddies seeking advice She's passed away to be with the Lord, but her wisdom nuggets still hit hard So, grab your popcorn, folks, because I'm about to drop four of her all-time classics:

1. Stick Together. So, picture this: my mom looks at her children straight in the face and says, "Stick together!" And let me tell you, she wasn't just talking about gluing stuff. No, she was all about preaching the power of godly unity and having each other's backs. Now, back in my youngin' days, I didn't realize it, but it turns out Mom was dropping some biblical knowledge. Second Corinthians 13:11 says, "Be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you " Unity's where it's at, folks! Remember the Tower of Babel story? It's like the original team project gone wrong However, one thing stands out in this story: they were unified

The mothers are The mothers are speaking, but are we speaking, but are we llistening? istening?

On the other hand, when we get unity right and use it for the proper purpose, great things happen! So, here's the deal:, spot a sister in the Lord who could use a little extra love and support. If God calls her to be in your life, pray for her and "stick together."

2. Carry Yourself With Dignity. You might not hear the word "dignity" often in this culture, but it's a big deal for Christians. Dignity is about knowing your worth and carrying yourself in a way that demonstrates your value of it. The Oxford Dictionary defines dignity as "the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect." And guess what? My mom was all about it, especially when dropping pearls of wisdom about dating.

Proverbs 18:22 is the ultimate dating guide, saying, "He who finds a wife, finds a good thing." The word "finds" in Hebrew means 'befall," "caught," and also means "delivered." Here's the wisdom: you don't need to go all detective mode, wearing skimpy clothes to find Mr Right No need for ungodly pursuit! Just focus on pleasing God. Let Him direct you. He will have you in the right place at the right time. Then, you will have "caught" the attention of God's man, thus being "delivered" to him.

Mom used to say, "A man should love you so much that he gladly places his coat in a pool of water so you can walk on dry ground." It might sound old-school, but this solid advice could save you from being emotionally shipwrecked Moreover, when God's man comes along, he'll see your worth and won't want to let you slip away. Girl, dignity's where it's at!

3. Get Your Education. Let's face it We need to be trained in something, have a skill, a degree, or a certification. Education is a means to a successful career.

It's not the only way, but one of many ways that carries weight. My parents were educated, and Mom had this fire in her belly, wanting her children to reach even higher than they did. And guess what? Mission accomplished! I've got my master's degree, but it's not the end of the road for me. Not by a long shot!

Moreover, I was there helping my daughter on the road to her doctorate. I supported her emotionally, spiritually, and financially. I cheered her on every step of the way. I remember what Mom used to say: "Once you get that degree, that's a piece of paper that no man can take away from you. " I instilled my mom ' s teachings into my daughter. Having that education under your belt is like having a rock-solid foundation. Trust me, I've been there, done that through the highs, lows, and everything in between, no one could take my degrees. So, listen up, girl: please get educated, certified, trained whatever suits you best. Take "the pains" to study because it will pay off

(Please see our “Career Connection Column” for more information about top-rated careers)

4. Be An Asset And Not A Liability

To Your Husband. My mother was a quadruple threat beautiful, bringing the bucks, the love, and spiritual wisdom to the table. She believed that women are naturalborn helpers to their God-given husbands. Translation? She didn't just tag along; she turbocharged Dad's life!

Regarding money, Mom wasn't just a spender she added to the family's budget She'd treat herself occasionally. But here's the caveat: she had a ninja-like grip on keeping things in order. She believed home sweet home comes first. It might sound old-school, but trust me, it's the secret sauce to a family that stays together. Here's a hot tip: Mom was physically beautiful and loyal Like Fort Knox, she shut down any guy who dared to flirt On lockdown, she had this go-to Bible verse, Matthew 5:8, reminding us that purity pays off big time. Sure, Mom wasn't perfect (who is?), but her commitment to family and faith? Priceless, my friends. So here's to you, Mom I will always miss you as you take your rest with the Savior. Yet, I'm still eating from your wisdom buffet

Annie Brown, beloved wife of Deacon James Brown and devoted mother of three, led a life filled with music and faith. As director of the "Brown Singers," she brought the joy of gospel across the eastern coast. At Holy Temple C O G I C , Annie's voice echoed in local ministry as a soloist and choir member In her later years, she continued her spiritual journey at the Abundant Life Family Worship Church in New Jersey Annie leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and cherished memories for her family and community NOTES

DavetathankshersistersMelonie&Marondafortheircontributionstothisarticle Images1-3 CourtesyofPexels

GOD’S POWERFUL PREACHING WOMEN

S NONA JONES

potlightontheMinistryof

ByDavetaBrown Editor-in-Chief

The Woman of God

Meet Nona Jones, a dynamic woman of God embodying a rare combination of gifts as an author, leader, preacher, and entrepreneur But that's not all she's a first lady, sought-after international conference speaker, accomplished vocalist, and worship leader. Nona is undeniably an integral part of heaven's unstoppable and transformative movement, where the voices of female preachers ignite, guide, and elevate the church on both domestic and international fronts Nona comes from humble beginnings, a story from pain to power

Despite a painful childhood, Nona blazed a trail of success, holding a Bachelor's in Communication and an MBA from the University of Florida At 23, she secured her first executive role at a Fortune 100 company Her journey continued as she stepped into an executive position in the public sector, leading public affairs and regulatory strategies. In this role, she was awarded the prestigious peer recognition Robert F. Roundtree Rising Star Award while under the age of 35

A seismic shift occurred when Meta, formerly known as Facebook, recruited Nona despite having yet to gain tech experience In this position, she shaped global faith-based partnership strategies, forming a team that worked with the largest churches nationally and internationally Thousands of church leaders have adopted her innovative approach, transitioning from social media to social ministry

Essence Magazine and Florida Trend Magazines have profiled her. Currently serving as the Chief Content & Partnership Officer for the YouVersion Bible App, Nona leads teams that shape the digital discipleship of nearly 10 million people globally

She holds positions on the boards of Christianity Today and Gloo, a pioneering tech company dedicated to constructing a groundbreaking platform that connects the entire ecosystem, which builds and serves the Body of Christ

Nona married her partner in life and ministry, Pastor Timothy L Jones, Sr Together, they lead Open Door Church in Gainesville, Florida She is the proud mother of two sons, Timothy, Jr, Isaac, and a Goldendoodle mom to Shiloh

The Message

If you've ever had the privilege of hearing Nona preach, you know she delivers messages with anointing and cadence. As examples, in her message, "The Gift of Rejection," Nona addresses the struggles of rejection, encouraging listeners to redefine rejection through God's lens Bid farewell to the harmful effects of rejection and confidently embark on the path to freedom from its grip The message has resonated with over 1 million viewers on YouTube

And then there's "God-Sized Vision" a message for those wrestling with God-given visions and challenged with their achievability Nona passionately underscores the importance of disregarding negative influences and embracing God-sized visions with faith and perseverance Now is the time to reject naysayers and reclaim your God given vision

Our final example, a fiery declaration titled "Burn it All, " Nona passionately emphasizes the imperative of purging marital bonds of lingering resentment When refusing to release resentment it opens the gateway to spiritually illicit connections with folks who shouldn’t be in your life She urges her audience to confront their vulnerabilities head-on, acknowledging that harboring resentment acts as a portal through which Satan's schemes infiltrate, manipulating others to fill the void left by unmet spousal expectations These are just a few of the many powerful messages she’s preached

The Recognition

Kingdom Woman Magazine recognizes the sacrifices, obedience, and commitment to maintaining a walk with God, leading His people, and preaching with power. From a life of humble beginnings, we see God now using Nona Jones powerfully Because of this, Kingdom Woman celebrates, encourages, intercedes, and expresses gratitude for the ministry of Nona Jones, acknowledging her as "God's Powerful Preaching Woman." Nona Jones, thank you for being a beacon of light in the church, community, and the world For more information about Nona Jones Ministries and her story, please visit her website at: https://NonaJones.com.

How God Helped me Raise my Child

ByDavetaBrown,Editor-in-Chief PhotoscourtesyofPexels

Admitting my struggles as a teenage single parent, I felt adrift and ill-prepared for the challenges ahead Initially oblivious to God's presence, hindsight reveals He accompanied me at every step Now, I'm prepared to unveil a glimpse of my journey, commencing in my early teens I did not have any problems with selfesteem, but I grappled with obedience to God, navigating early physical maturity and an attraction to older men with a motto of "I like men, not boys," a mindset that led me into turmoil

I was raised in a household where my father was a respected deacon who played a significant role in the church and community Knowing this I tried to remain within the boundaries my parents taught, but one day I encountered a neighbor in his twenties while strolling down our street Engaging in conversation, he eventually requested my number, and I obliged Our relationship progressed, resulting in an unexpected pregnancy

The pregnancy shook my world, triggering panic about the potential impact on my parents' standing in the church and community Desperate to preserve their reputation, I concealed my pregnancy from them for as long as possible Confiding in a close friend, her immediate advice was, "Follow my example and have an abortion”

Guided by the still small voice of what I now know was the Lord, I recognized that following that path wasn't the right choice Looking back, I've gleaned valuable lessons about the impact of the company I keep While my friend was supportive, her advice and influence didn't align with what I knew was right Despite concealing my pregnancy from my parents initially, I eventually chose to keep my baby and was forced to tell my parents Although the pregnancy was a difficult thing for my parents to swallow, they provided unwavering support throughout the process

After my daughter's birth, I temporarily resided at home Initially, her father actively participated in her life, providing both emotional and financial support We even became engaged However, a pivotal moment came when I recommitted my life to Christ and prayerfully chose to end our engagement In response, he declared, "If you're not with me, you won't receive my financial support" Amidst this challenging ultimatum, I clung to the belief that God was by my side

Without a degree or marketable skills, despite obtaining a high school diploma, my earning potential was limited Growing up, my parents emphasized the importance of higher education Expressing my aspiration to attend nursing school to my mom, I applied and was accepted Picture me, with a baby on my lap, burning the midnight oil, diligently studying and typing research papers Then, turning around and attending early morning hospital training Many days, tears streamed down my face as I navigated the challenges of being a teenage mother and the only Black nursing student in a racially biased school I felt like I was losing my mind

My professors doubted my ability to graduate They told me I would not make it Fellow students confessed to having never encountered Black people except seeing them on television I struggled to find lab partners, faced exclusion from essential training opportunities, yet with God's guidance, I persevered and graduated on schedule Graduation day remains etched in my memory The radiant smile on my mom's face was unforgettable; she beamed with pride at my triumph over the obstacles that could have hindered me Notably, I passed the Nursing Board of Examination on my first attempt However, there were still challenges to face, on the job as a Black woman working in hospitals with few minorities

In my personal life, I did not always make the best choices Despite various mistakes, my hunger for a deeper connection with God continued I often felt akin to the biblical David My mom foresaw this when she named me Daveta, explaining, "I named you Daveta because David was a man after God's own heart" I truly lived up to that name, becoming "a woman after God's own heart"

As time passed, I achieved the milestone of buying my first home

Years later, the Lord blessed me to build my own house from the ground up I was proud of the life I had achieved and the opportunities I had provided for my daughter She had a bedroom with two walk-in closets, a large room that many young girls dream of

It took time for me to mature into the woman I am today, but despite my mistakes, I never gave up on a deeper connection with God Eventually I sensed God wanted more Then, I answered the divine call to preach the gospel I've had the privilege of delivering sermons and ministering in some remarkable places

In one service, my pastor of a mega church, stopped the service and called me to the altar I was so scared! Then he pointed at a woman and asked me to pray for her I hesitated, but I understood he saw something in me that I’d tried to conceal With faith, I placed my hands on the woman's stomach and prayed in the name of Jesus Miraculously, she fell under the power of God during the prayer After the service concluded, I made my way to my car To my surprise, the same woman I’d prayed

for approached my car window crying and urgently banging on it Startled, I rolled down the window and asked how I could assist her With a trembling voice she said, "You may not have known, but I was struggling with a drug addiction When you prayed for me, I felt that addiction break instantly! Thank you so much for your prayer!" On that day, I came to the profound realization that God had plans for my life

Now, turning attention back to my daughter, her father eventually contributed child support, but it was God who played the pivotal role in helping me raise her Despite the obstacles of parenting and my career, God was with me throughout the entire journey He guided me through every stage of parenthood, through good times, challenging moments, and even the most difficult trials I reached great heights in my career as a nurse and God helped me to support my daughter as she earned her bachelor's, master's, and ultimately her doctorate degree

As the Scripture says, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (Ps 46:1 NLT) I learned that “No weapon, ” (Is 54:17), not even the weapons we ’ ve created work when God’s hand is on your life I now study and value His Word I have learned God is a true friend, and that He rocks me to sleep and comforts me with His Word

In hindsight, I often wonder how a teenage minority mother manages to navigate the tumultuous challenges of life As for me, the answer is simple: she does it because God is with her I want to encourage anyone, despite their current circumstances, to stay connected to God

Even if you stumble along the way, rise quickly and pursue Him relentlessly Do this because pursuing God leads to His light and presence, which sustain you in good, difficult, and uncertain times Yes, I am still in the Potter's hand, and in His hand, I am in the most amazing place possible

Would you like to propose a topic for us to explore in an article? Whether it's a biblical theme or a relevant issue regarding women in the church, we enthusiastically welcome your input. Please feel free to share your ideas with us. To help us categorize your submission, please use "What Readers Want" as the subject line in your email. Your suggestion will be carefully reviewed for possible inclusion in an article authored by our gifted content writers.

Email:info@KingdomWomanMagazine.org.

FASHION FORWARD Part 2: THE 4 C’S of

CHURCH ATTIRE

By Editor-in-Chief, Daveta Brown

Let's chat about something we all love – looking our best. First, in our sample segment, this article was more of a formal address. However, I want to talk to you in a sister-to-sister way. So, let’s dive into the "4C's" of church attire as we briefly review the first C, "Conscious."

#1 Conscious

Being conscious of what you wear in church is critical. It's acknowledging that you're stepping into a sacred space. You are conscious and ready to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying. Now, I get it; there's a time and place for more sensual outfits, like within marital relationships. But the church is not the place for sexy. Please be careful not to cross any lines that might invite unwanted attention and lust from men.

The Bible shares some wisdom on women's clothing in 1 Timothy 2:9-10 Paul urges women to dress modestly, focusing on decency and propriety rather than flashy accessories.

Jewish teachers were particularly concerned about men being sexually tempted. However, there is a way to avoid this. Be mindful of the 4 C’s, and remember you can look good without drawing attention away from the spiritual experience.

#2 Comfortable

Moving on to the next "C" –"Comfortable." Comfort is a big deal. But when it comes to church outfits, it's a bit of a challenge for many women. Some dress too comfortably, forgetting that we are in God's house. Others do too much, wearing restrictive attire and shoes that prevent us from standing and worshipping. Heels are great! I wear them but I must be conscious of heels that hinder the worship experience.

I've made the mistake of wearing uncomfortable heels. Hence, I was unable to stand and worship. But I've learned a remedy – if I have to overthink every step, they're a no-go for worship However, if the heels you wear work for you, then go for it! When it comes to clothing, try this at home:

Raise your hands, worship, and see if you can move. Ensure that everything is "covered" appropriately. Look at yourself in a fulllength mirror as you turn around

#3 Cute

And here's a surprising one of the "C's" – "Cute." Yes, you heard it right! I define "cute" as appropriately edgy and fashionable, beautiful, and balanced. There's a time for "high church attire," (we will address dressy attire in a future segment) as many churches wear formal attire regularly However, others are different, making it perfectly fine to rock comfortable cute outfits.

We represent Christ, and the world is watching whether we admit it or not. Why not reflect that we serve a great God, and that we enjoy our church experience? It is not about clothes; it’s about souls, but we have to wear something. There is nothing drab about God's kingdom! Vibrancy and enjoyment are contagious, and your appearance matters.

Here are some of our top selections. These pics represent just a small sampling of dressy, casual, comfortable, cute and appropriately edgy attire. I trust that these samples will help you along your church attire journey

We'll tackle the final "C" in the next Issue. Subscribe and stay tuned, my sisters, and always look your kingdom best.

Listen to those gentle nudges from the Holy Spirit and be ready to adjust if needed. Notes

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EVANGELISM TIP: PAY FORWARD

Acts of kindness like paying for someone’s coffee can open the door to a brief life-changing conversation. So the next time you visit a coffee shop consider prayerfully offering to pay for the person’s bill in front of you. If they ask why, respond “I’m just spreading the love of Jesus.”

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As seen in

WHENSISTER Shubert Testified

By Editor-in-Chief, Daveta Brown

Throughout the years, I've witnessed some truly amusing occurrences within the church setting. My upbringing was within the realm of a Pentecostal Holiness church. We proudly identify as charismatic individuals, unafraid to express our enthusiasm through handclapping and foot-stomping praise Church services held a distinct flavor in those earlier days. We were in the initial phases of our spiritual journey, absorbing and evolving in our understanding of Christ, and in how to execute services.

During one such service, a woman that I will call Sister Shubert, took the floor to share her testimony in what was then referred to as a "Testimony Service." As the microphone was handed to her, a series of lighthearted incidents unfolded. These occurrences have become the inspiration for this fiction story based on real events.

First, I want to share more details about the dynamics of testimony service. It was a time when different individuals would spontaneously rise, andwithorwithoutamic,theysimply gave their testimony about the Lord’s goodness Next, they would sing a song of their choosing, and then proceed to testify about the divine interventionsintheirlives.

On one particular day, Sister Shubert eagerly stood up to share her own testimony. With a tambourine firmly grasped in one hand and the microphone in the other, Sister Shubertsaid,"IgivehonortoGod,who is the head of my life, hallelujah!" As she exclaimed "hallelujah," her enthusiasm translated into a forceful tambourine strike that resulted in a fewshinglesunexpectedlytakingflight and hit 2 children! At once, the affected children burst into laughter and ended up collapsing on the floor, scuttlingunderthebenchestochuckle insecrecy.

Meanwhile,oneoftheelderlymothers, whose vision wasn't the sharpest, observed the kids tumbling to the ground. Misinterpreting the situation, shebelievedtheyhadfallenunderthe influence of the Spirit and were speakingintheirheavenlylanguage.

Rushing over to them with an air of fervor, she exclaimed with claps and stomps,"CallonJesus,children;callon Jesus.Heishere!"Inthemidstofthese events, a group, called the mothers' board was busy preparing food downstairsforfundraisingdinnerstobe soldafterthechurchservice.However, anunforeseenmishapoccurredasthe food burned, releasing smoke that gradually seeped into the sanctuary. Coincidentally, at that very moment, Sister Shubert led the congregation in singing, "Send Down the Rain. Lord, senddownthelatterrain!"

Astheroomfilledwithsmoke,someone yelled,"That'stheglorycloud!"Andso, undeterred,theclapping,dancing,and singing persisted. Then, unexpectedly, the sprinklers triggered, drenching the sanctuarywithwater!

In a twist of events, they indeed received "rain," although not quite the rain that Sister Shubert had invoked – it was water from the fire detectionsprinklers.

Itrustthatthislightheartedanecdote has brought a smile to your day. Remember, humor abounds even within the church. So, keep laughter aliveandyoursmilesshining.

HEALING THE INNER ME: I MATTER

As we go through life, we will face challenges and struggles Our childhood helps to shape and mold us into the people we become There comes a time in our lives when we sit down and think about where we've come from and who we are today Years ago, I was at a point in my life when I realized I had accomplished many things, but I wasn't where I wanted to be When I examined my life and wondered how I made it through, I had to acknowledge that I only made it by the grace of God and that God had His hand on me every day of my life

Growing up as a light-skinned, intelligent, shy middle child, living in an urban area, and having a dream of going to college, I experienced some challenges And it did not help that I attended a predominantly white high school I had a prophetic call on my life, but as a child, I had no idea what was happening I experienced what I thought were nightmares but actually turned out to be visitations from spirits/demons (I now know that the enemy did this to try and confuse me) I also had visions and experienced what I thought was déjà vu at times I would know things but had no idea how or why I knew them

"I decided to give my life to Christ, which was the best decision I've ever made. This decision took me on a journey of inner healing."

BY DANA HINES MS LADC CDVC CHTVSP

My siblings and I grew up in a loving two-parent home, but dysfunction occurred I watched my mother bear the burden of maintaining a household for her three children (Meanwhile) she attended school to obtain her GED and learned a trade while my father lived his life My mother was the strongest and most determined woman I have ever known She is my role model

It was not until I became an adult (that I) realized all my mother had been through and all she sacrificed for the sake of her children She was determined to make a good life for her children

As a light-skinned, shy, intelligent black girl, I was constantly reminded of the color of my skin by other black people outside my family and a few extended family members Because of this, I withdrew into my shell and developed coping skills to protect myself from the hurtful words directed toward me I learned to never let people know they hurt me this way; they could not use it against me I also learned the fine art of sarcasm and being brutally honest with people to make them back up I learned inappropriate coping skills, but they were skills that protected me

wanted it to be, and I needed to make some changes So I decided to give my life to Christ, which was the best decision I've ever made. This decision took me on a journey of inner healing Through my relationship with God and a willingness to be honest with myself regarding my strengths and weaknesses, self-esteem, selfconfidence, and coping mechanisms, I made changes in my life I did not focus on anyone else; I just looked at who I said I was versus who I really was I realized that a light-skinned shy prophet was making the calls in my life versus the woman making the decisions This was not an easy process, but it was one I needed to embark on to be the person I wanted to be

I realized up until that point I would tell people I didn't care if you did not like me but deep down inside, I did I had to do the work on myself, and I did get to the point where it didn't bother me if people didn't like me I also had to examine other coping skills I had developed and determine if they were appropriate or inappropriate. I found some were inappropriate, but others were very appropriate I am an introvert who is comfortable in her light-skinned body, proud of all she has accomplished and loves herself I have learned that I matter and that my thoughts, feelings, wants, and needs are just as important as others

predominantly white high school told me I was not college material As a young girl who wanted nothing more than to attend college and graduate, this hurt more than anything I never told anyone about the guidance counselor's words, especially my mother This information would not have been welcome news to her I never wanted to place my mother in a position where she would go to the school and tell them exactly what she thought about what they said to her black child Well, I proved that guidance counselor wrong as I hold a Bachelor's and a Master's degree, and I'm currently working on my doctorate I also have several licensures and certifications The determination I saw in my mother as she went back to school to do better for her children, propelled me forward

As women, we can nurture and love everyone else and forget to love and nurture ourselves We tend to be strong for others but at times need someone to be strong for us simply because we are tired. We pour into others regularly but forget to allow others to pour into us As women we must understand if our tanks are empty and we have nothing to pour into anyone else, we must refuel and re-energize ourselves regularly; this requires inner healing and strength

To embrace and possess all that God has promised us requires work God is not in the habit of elevating us to a place where our character cannot sustain us We must get in the habit of openly "checking" ourselves This brings about self-care and inner healing Should a person not engage in inner healing, they will go through life with open wounds Hurting people will hurt other people

We cannot expect to be the healthiest versions of ourselves if we are hurting and continue to have open wounds Look at it in terms of a physical wound to one of our hands that is bleeding for which we never received medical attention and allow the wound to keep bleeding In that case, we leave our bloody fingerprints on every person we touch

The same is true for emotional wounds. Sometimes we don't understand why people don't want to be a part of our lives Could they be tired of us leaving our bloody hand prints on their clothes? Or they are tired from being a part of our lives, as we require a great deal of energy to deal with? We are a three-part being: body, soul, and spirit (1 Thessalonians8:23) Because we are a tripart being, it is essential for us to understand that the body, soul, and spirit are interconnected Due to the interconnectedness of these three parts it is necessary to understand if one part is out of sync, it will affect the other two parts The soul is man's will, intellect, and emotions. Our personalities are embedded within the soul The soul is where our inner healing journey needs to take place We tend to make decisions based on our emotions, and if we are in a place where we need inner healing, our decision-making process may not be the healthiest that it can be

"We cannot expect to be the "We cannot expect to be the healthiest versions of ourselves healthiest of ourselves if we are hurting and continue if we are hurting and continue to have open wounds Look at to have open wounds Look at it in terms of a physical it in terms of a physical wound to one of our hands wound to one of our hands that is bleeding for which we that is bleeding for which we never received medical never received medical attention and allow the wound attention and allow the wound to keep bleeding In that case, to keep bleeding In that case, we leave our bloody we leave our bloody fingerprints on every person fingerprints every person we touch " we touch "

Inner healing requires emotional healing Emotional healing is where we allow ourselves to acknowledge and accept a certain amount of dysfunction taking place within us During this emotional healing process, we must remember to show empathy and compassion towards ourselves as we begin the journey of processing painful life experiences The journey of healing will not be easy as it requires us to be brutally honest with ourselves Not anyone else but ourselves, and sometimes that can be the hardest part of the journey. This journey is an individual process that every human experiences in different ways It doesn't matter if someone else has had the same experience as us What matters is how we experience that event This is why it is so important that we remember to be gentle and kind to ourselves as we embark upon the beautiful journey of self-discovery and healing

God desires for us to be whole We see this in the Bible when Jesus asked the man at the pool of Bethesda in John 5:6, do you want to be made whole God is a perfect gentleman He will never force Himself upon us; therefore, for us to be made whole, we must open ourselves up to God and allow Him to lead, guide, and direct us as we go through our lives God also desires for our souls to prosper This is evident in 3 John 1:2, where the Bible says he wants us to be in good health even as our souls grow God shows us in His Word that He wants us to be whole, healthy, and our souls to be in the best condition possible This journey will require that we hold onto God tightly because it will not be easy, but it is a process that we can all make it through if we remember that God loves us and He wants nothing but the best for us Sometimes we say we're waiting on God to do certain things, when the reality is God is waiting

on us to do some things He wants to elevate us and bring us to the next level but He cannot take us to a place we are not ready for We serve a mighty God who wants us to live in the supernatural, where we witness miracles, signs, and wonders and to receive His grace and mercy daily

In a nutshell, here are the keys to inner healing Remember to be kind to yourself Know that you are not in this alone. You are on a journey with Jesus. Replace the negative recordings you maybe allowing to repeatedly play in your head that make you believe you are not important.

You do matter! I am not telling you anything, I did not have to experience myself I had to believe God when He told me He loved me and that I was valuable and that He had a work for me to do. God told me I was a Prophet, from birth, whom the enemy tried to kill as a child. There were days when believing God was very hard I always loved myself, that was never a question, but I had to learn it was okay to be my authentic self What’s so beautiful is the process of inner healing helps us to (discover) and become our authentic selves

Dana Hines is the CEO of Dana Hines Ministry Inc., a deliverance ministry that helps individuals obtain freedom from life's struggles Her ministry centers on community outreach for women and adolescents with substance abuse (SUDS), intimate partner violence (IPV), and human trafficking (HT). Dana educates business organizations on leadership regarding SUDS, IPV, and HT She is a licensed Substance Use Disorder Clinician and a Domestic Violence Advocate Counselor (CDVC). Dana sits on the Board of Directors for a local Domestic Violence Agency in Massachusetts She holds a Master's Degree in Science, and she's currently pursuing her doctorate in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Christian ministry Dana is passionate about social justice, equality,andequity

WOMANHOOD

Hard-Core Experiences & Quick-Tips From Women Who Overcame

As my sisters and I matured, my mother shared a poignant chapter in her life miscarrying twins after the birth of our youngest sister She recounted the painful experience of holding her premature babies lifeless. Despite tears welling in her eyes as she narrated, what stood before me was a woman fortified with God's strength, resilient in life's challenges.

After hearing her story, I wondered how she endured such heartache and raised us without crumbling under the weight of grief. Over time, I discovered that God provides the strength to navigate what seems impossible In my eyes, Mom embodied the essence of "steel magnolias," possessing both beauty and strength She would say, "God blessed me with three beautiful children despite what happened He’s in control and knows what's best for me And I now know I couldn't have handled more children " The lessons from her journey are fivefold:

1) Reveal your scars in the right rooms as a testimony

2) Cultivate gratitude for what you presently have

3) Trust God for strength to move forward

4) Acknowledge that God knows your breaking point

5) Declare that nothing happens without God's permission.

Perhaps my mother's miscarriage served as a testament for others. We may not ever fully understand its purpose, but she chose to elevate her faith and trust in God's control. Despite the pain, she didn't let it make her bitter or break her relationship with God. Whatever challenges you face, remember that there is nothing in your womanhood that God cannot guide you through Take heart, my sisters, for God's love and care surround you in everything you face

By Editor-in-Chief, Daveta Brown

Photo courtesy of Pexels

‘CHALLENGE

KINGDOM WOMAN IDENTITY Embracing Your

Yearning to be part of something extraordinary is a sentiment that resonates deeply within us all. I find immense joy in being a citizen of God's kingdom and proudly identifying as a "kingdom woman." Beyond a mere label for my identity, this term represents my involvement in something divine and truly remarkable However, it is crucial to delve into the meaning, navigate the challenges, and wholeheartedly embrace the virtues. Join me on a brief journey to unpack and contemplate the profound significance behind this designation.

To begin, it's important to note that the phrase "kingdom woman" does not appear within the pages of the Bible. However, to gain a deeper insight into the rationale behind using this phrase and its underlying significance, we should direct our attention to the term "kingdom" itself, which implies the dominion of a king. A king naturally possesses a kingdom, and in the context of spirituality, the Kingdom of God is the supernatural realm where the divine sovereignty of God prevails.

References to the Kingdom of God are present in both the Old and New Testaments Remarkably, the New Testament alone mentions the Kingdom of God on over 70 occasions For instance, in Matthew 6:33, we encounter the verse, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" In this context, the term "kingdom" signifies the governance of Christ within the heart of a believer

God's summons to His children is one of obedience, a call that paves the way for His blessings to grace our lives. As we delve deeper into this idea, the Scriptures unveil three core facets attributed to the Kingdom of God:

1 The dual reign of Christ, encompassing both heavenly and earthly domains

2.The manifold blessings that emanate from living under Christ's benevolent dominion

3 The congregation, or the subjects, who comprise this divine realm

Thus, a "kingdom woman" emerges as an integral constituent within the realm governed by our King Jesus Christ The Kingdom Woman aligns her directives with His divine will, diligently seeking His wisdom and regulating her conduct accordingly She doesn’t manipulate things according to her desires She’s attuned to heaven’s compass She learns and adapts to the fluctuations of seasons in Ecclesiastes 3:1, recognizing that "To everything there is a season and a time" She may not become her best version overnight But she consistently seeks to pursue God’s will and His character

It’s yours Embrace it

She’s the cherished daughter of God, blessed by living under His rule She demonstrates integrity, obedience, and compassion So go ahead, accept the Notes

All Photographs courtesy of Pexels challenge! Boldly declare your identity as a Kingdom Woman! Take pride in being chosen by God and living under His rule

Reset Your Health

HOW VITAMIN B12 CAN HELP YOU

Editor-in-Chief, Daveta Brown RN,BSN,LNC

Sardines

Tuna Clams

Beef

Fortified cereals

Organ meats, liver & kidneys

Fortified nutritional yeast

Eggs

Feeling worn out? Is your energy lagging? A potential explanation could be a shortage of Vitamin B12 Take into account all your responsibilities You might be tending to your family, managing children, working, overseeing businesses, handling school tasks, and fulfilling ministry commitments These endeavors are indeed blessings, but they require adequate supply of nutrients to meet each day’s energy demands

Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in maintaining the proper function of the nervous system, the production of red blood cells, and the various bodily processes reliant on energy [1] Our bodies cannot produce B12 on their own, making it necessary to obtain it through diet or supplements

According to research published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a deficiency in B12 could lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, memory impairment, constipation, mouth and tongue discomfort, and unexpected weight loss [2] To address Vitamin B12 deficiencies, the first step is to focus on your diet Here are some primary sources:

"Are

Trout Salmon

Fortified nondiary milk

Key Signs of deficiency

Fatigue

Weakness

Fainting

Vision loss

Shortness of breath

Heart palpitations

Tingling in the hands and feet

Pale skin

Dementia

Hallucinations

When considering supplementation, it's crucial to exercise caution because not all B12 supplements are of equal quality Certain variants, such as cyanocobalamin, contain trace amounts of cyanide, notice the "cyan" prefix In contrast, the preferred option for supplementation is methylcobalamin. Despite its potentially higher cost, this natural and biologically accessible choice is free from toxins. Opt for reputable vegan brands like Garden of Life MyKind Organics Super B for a reliable B12 source. [3] Another option Amazon Elements methylcobalamine. [4] So, live on the energy side, and get your B12 straight.

Notes:

1 Arlene,Semeco Top12FoodsThatAreHighIn VitaminB12:Healthline,Jan 20,2022 (Accessed October5,2022)

2.Thakkar,K,Bill,EG TreatmentOfVit B12 Deficiency-Methlocobalamine?Cyancobalamine? Hydroxocobalamine?-ClearingTheConfusion EuropeanJournalOfClinicalNutrition69,12(2015),(AccessedOctober3,2022)

3 MyKindOrganicsVitaminBComplex, https://amznto/3RbE44n

*Pleaseconsultyourphysicianbeforemaking anychangesinyourhealthcareregime

4 AmazonElementsVitaminB12

Methylcobalamin5000mcg-NormalEnergy ProductionandMetabolism,ImmuneSystem Support-2MonthSupply,BerryFlavored Lozenges,65Counthttps://aco/d/fOJCv6k

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.

~Corrie Ten Boom

AQuickWord

If you ' ve ever witnessed a large bridge opening, the experience can be daunting. Traffic screeches to a halt for miles as the bridge lifts, allowing a boat to pass beneath. Yet, once the ship passes the bridge gracefullycloses,andtrafficresumes.

Life often mirrors this scenario. You find yourself approaching life's bridge, ready to enter new territory, and suddenly, something brings you to a standstill. Frustration mounts as you realize progress is halted, and only God holds the power to close the bridge makingpassingachievable.

What's truly remarkable is that when life comes to a screeching halt, God speaks through His Word. Isaiah 43:16 reassures us, "ThussaiththeLord,whomakesawayinthe sea, a path in the mighty waters." This divine intervention is specifically for His children. God is our Bridge, guiding us into new territories.

So,whenlifesuddenlystopsandfrustration sets in, fear not. Look to the hills, for God not only makes a way but He becomes the way! He is our divine escort, the Bridge leading us from seasons of “I can’t do it” to “I can.” Recognizingthistruthistransformative.

Please ask yourself, who can tamper with the way God makes for His children? Can anyone prevent our arrival to destination? The answer is no. I pray these words encourage your heart. Until next time, see you on "A Quick Word.”

By Daveta Brown, Editor-in Chief Photos courtesy of Pexels

THE PROPHETIC PLACE

UNVEILING VISIONS, DREAMS, & PROPHECIES

What Happens When Recompense Comes

No matter how long you’ve endured life’s dilemmas, God has a set time for deliverance. When that moment arrives, it can be good for you but not for your enemies.

Many of us long for the moment when God declares, "I'm reversing your circumstances." In a prayerful moment, the Lord delivered a prophetic message, saying, "Recompense is coming!"

In that instant, a sense of joy emerged for those who have walked upright and endured hardships even at the hands of enemies. When the Lord imparts a

prophetic message, I am keenly aware that its significance is not for everyone but for some. Therefore, if you have faced adversity and remained faithful to God, take this message to the Lord in prayer to see if He’s speaking to you

The Scriptures reveal that the idea of “ recompense ” encompasses various meanings, diverging into two distinct directions

Hebrews 10:35 advises, "Cast not away your confidence that has great recompense of reward." Here, recompense signifies a just and deserving reward from God for faithfully adhering to His teachings. However, in Hebrews 2:2 a

different connotation emerges – one of divine retribution or punishment

For those who have experienced situations where you’ve endured hardship, and it seems your enemies faced no consequences, yet you chose not to retaliate while maintaining your fidelity to God, I urge you to listen intently There is indeed a reward reserved for your commitment Deuteronomy 25:17-19 reveals the character of God and how recompense works God speaks to the Israelites, saying, "I haven't forgotten what Amalek did to you at your weakest hour You were exhausted and weary, trying to get out of Egypt, and they attacked you ”

Amalek represents the pinnacle of evil

By Editor-in-Chief, Daveta Brown

The Amalekites launched their assault against the Israelites due to their lack of reverence for God Many of you have encountered similar attacks Your enemies believed that God wasn't observant or wouldn't take action However, it's imperative to bear in mind that God diligently records every detail Furthermore, He made a commitment of "rest" to the Israelites

God declared, "When the LORD your God has given you rest from all your enemies around you in the land he is giving you as an inheritance, you shall blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!" (Deuteronomy 25:19) Consequently, they eradicated the Amalekites Remarkably, to this day, the Amalekites are nonexistent

When recompense comes, God brings both rest for you and judgment upon your enemies Although memories of past pain may linger, God has the remarkable way of mitigating the impact. He possesses the unique power to ensure deliverance

It's truly a blessing to recognize that God stands as the Ultimate Restorer, as exemplified in Joel 2:25

where restoration signifies making up for losses. Additionally, we are blessed with the hope of an eternal existence with God in heaven, surpassing any earthly pain. Thus, when recompense arrives, God not only grants you rest, but He also addresses the wrongs and unsettled matters in your life He repays your adversaries and makes up for what you've endured This is truly wonderful news! With an unwavering confidence in God, rest assured that He doesn't approach recompense lightly His love for you is profound, and He is resolute in ensuring your well-deserved reward, rest and recompense

SECRETS OF A PRAYER WARRIOR SPRING 2024

Want results? Sometimes it's the small things that yield big results To begin, for this article, we'll define a "prayer warrior" as one with a prayer life who prays fervently with power So, let's begin I want to help someone skip past the fluff, delays, and unanswered prayers and get results. So the million-dollar question is: When have I personally seen the most significant results? As one who has traversed this path, made mistakes and circled back to what the Bible says, I am eager to share insights that can help lead to tangible outcomes Here are my top 3:

1. Consistency (Luke 18:1): Consistency is the foundation of a thriving prayer life The Scriptures admonish us to refrain from wavering in our prayer commitment despite life's challenges. We see this in Luke 18:1: "Men ought always pray and not faint." Consistency and persistence are key in this passage

3

By Editor-in-Chief, Daveta Brown

Moreover, when consistent it demonstrates faith If you are making the mistake I used to make in being inconsistent and treating prayer as a fleeting encounter randomly giving God leftover time, then I encourage you to change Be intentional and guard your prayer time from interruptions Find a prayer rhythm, and believe when you pray.

2. Alignment (1 John 5:14): Just as a car requires proper alignment to stay on course, our prayers necessitate alignment with God's will Scripture emphasizes that God hears our prayers when they align with His will First John 5:14 says, "This is the confidence that we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us " Conversely, seeking outcomes contrary to His will deviates from God's purpose and God only obligates Himself to His will Being slightly off, following things according to your desires

something you think is good, can throw you completely off course Moreover, waste years of precious time Ask God to align your will with His Praying according to His will, words, and promises is key in witnessing profound results.

3. Obedience (Luke 6:46): Obedience is the shortest distance to a divine destination God expects us to trust Him Jesus said, "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I tell you (Luke 6:46) Consider the Israelites' journey to the promised land It should have taken 40 days. Instead, they wandered for 40 years. Partial obedience is disobedience and can result in delays or even disqualification from receiving blessings Fully embracing God's instructions without cherry-picking or creating alternative versions allows for transformative experiences and unhindered blessings

I invite you to grab a calendar and embark on a 30-day journey of unwavering obedience to God's exact instructions. Ask yourself what your life will look like if you do this consistently While on your 30 day journey document any changes Dismiss critic's opinions Relinquish personal preferences and past disappointments Adhere wholeheartedly to His will Then, you will begin to cultivate a life characterized by consistency, alignment, and obedience ultimately "unlocking" the full potential of prayer.

Transformed By Holy Spirit

AnInspiringInterviewwith LadyVictoryVernon,D.Min.

ByEditor-in-Chief,DavetaBrown

If you've ever heard her preach, you've witnessed the power! If you've ever seen her greeting line after church, you've witnessed a long line of people waiting to speak with a woman they trust. Lady Victory Vernon is a beacon of spiritual guidance and fervent passion at the heart of Cleveland, Ohio's Word Church. Meeting her is an opportunity, an encounter with the essence of compassion and an unwavering desire to uplift.

As the cherished wife of Dr. R.A. Vernon, together, they lead a congregation with thousands of members. Moreover, they extend their stewardship to the Shepherd's Connection, overseeing 200 pastors and their churches. Lady Vernon, a spiritual matriarch and newly minted grandmother, embodies a rare blend of divine grace and earthly wisdom. But what is the secret behind her profound impact? Is the woman we see today identical to the woman she was as a new First Lady?

Lady Vernon offers a "glimpse" into her life, revealing the pivotal role of the Holy Spirit in harmonizing her role as a wife, mother, and spiritual leader.

Privileged to be a part of the Word Church family, I've witnessed firsthand the impact of her ministry, characterized by divine inspiration and pragmatic wisdom. It's my honor to share her insights. So, settle into your coziest retreat with a soothing cup of tea, and prepare to be enriched.

As a young girl,

I was being shaped by God for a future

I was not yet equipped to embrace.

The Formative Years

Victory sang a repetitive song as a young girl, not knowing why she liked it. The song's lyrics, "He's preparing me for something I cannot handle right now." In retrospect, she tells us I wasn't ready for what God had for me then. Hearing this reminds me of how the Holy Spirit works He resonates messages within and drops hints regarding His plan to enlarge our territory.

Growing up in traditional Pentecostalism, and as a pastor’s kid, Lady Vernon was accustomed to guidelines and dress codes, where women wore thick white stockings and long dresses. As a first lady, she initially tried to conform, feeling pressed by her mentors. She also watched other first ladies and attempted to emulate them.

However, the clash between old traditions and her fresh ideas left her feeling like she was trying to pour "new wine into old wineskins." What brought the shift? Lady Vernon says, "The Holy Spirit intervened, sanctioned, ordained, and freed me! Now I'm okay." We gain from this that you don't have to live according to anyone else's template. Allow the Holy Spirit room to teach, sanction, guide, and free you.

Marriage

Lady Vernon candidly reveals her initial struggles as a newlywed, navigating through anger and silence. She said, "I went through a season where I didn't talk to my husband, and he didn't talk to me. I didn't look forward to church, and I didn’t talk to anyone there."

Yet, she and her husband changed with the Holy Spirit's transformative touch. She credits the shift to listening to the Holy Spirit’s promptings and working on emotional health. She reads books on emotional health by Henry Cloud —one of her favorite authors.

Lady Vernon now states, "My husband is my greatest gift." She applauds his unwavering support, giving an example of a pivotal moment when she was frightened about her doctoral program's first day of school. Her husband came to the school and stayed with her the entire day. Now that's love in action!

She anchors her marital principles in Amos 3:3: "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" And Matthew 19:11-12 "Not everyone is mature enough to live a married life. It requires a certain aptitude of grace." These Scriptures are reminders that marriage requires "unity" and "maturity."

When it comes to maturity, a mature woman prioritizes nurturing her marriage and actively seeks ways to bring happiness to her husband. For example, Lady Vernon grooms herself daily, and when her husband has a specific attire request, she doesn't give him pushback. She said, "I realize that he's not the same man he was when I married him, he's growing. So, if he has a request, why not do it if it makes him happy." Further, she said her husband is very clear about what he likes, from the "bedroom to the bank account.” She values their open dialogue and mutual respect.

Motherhood Ministry

One of the guiding Scriptures in Lady Vernon's motherhood is Luke 15:3-7 where Jesus goes after the lost sheep, puts it on His shoulders, and brings it home. She said there are times as a mother that I have to do this. Without yelling or screaming, I pick my children up and shepherd them. When addressing serious matters, I get their attention by calling them by their entire first and last name. When I do this, they know I mean business.

We asked Lady Vernon how she balances marriage, motherhood, and ministry. Her response, "I don't like the word balance. I prefer the word manage. I teach first ladies to manage life, but don't try to balance it." Here's why— Balancing, she argues, teeters on the edge of disaster, with the fragility of something dropping. It's too much stress. On the other hand, managing allows growth, learning, and eventual mastery.

In navigating the trifecta of marriage, motherhood, and ministry, we wanted to know her closing thoughts and the secret to her success. Here's what she revealed:

To begin, she has a consistent prayer life and adheres to intentional selfcare guarded fiercely from interruptions. Lady Vernon's entire family knows her self-care time is uninterrupted. Additionally, she limits all appointments to one day a week, on Thursdays, and only until 2 pm. She's also committed to the five components of self-care:

He’ll keep you if you want to be kept.

1. Emotional- Be intentional about your emotional health.

Cognition-Guard what you meditate on.

2. Physical-Exercise and eat nutritiously.

3. Spiritual- Love God and prioritize your relationship with Him.

5.

4. Sphere of Influence- Maintain a godly and healthy inner circle.

She leaves us with a profound quote: "He’ll keep you if you want to be kept," a testament to the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit." From a woman whose voice was silent, she now stands as a voice of influence in her family and to thousands of women and believers. Thank you, Lady Victory Vernon, for sharing your wisdom with our readership. May God continue to bless, keep, strengthen, and guide you.

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Getting your l ve straight

FourCrucialInsights forYourSpiritualJourney

ByDavetaBrown Editor-in-Chief

Ladies, have you ever wondered if your heart is in the right place or if your love aligns with God's plan? If your answer isn’t favorable, then you ' re not alone. Did you know there is a real "battle for your heart?" [1]. The enemy targets your heartbecauseheknowsthepower ofinappropriatelyplacedaffection. For this reason, the Bible says, "You shalllovetheLordyourGodwithall your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Matt. 22:37 NKJV). This doesn't imply that we shouldn't love others; rather, it emphasizes that no one should takeprecedenceoverGod. The “heart” means the center of your being. It's the place where moral decisions are made. The “soul” means the vital breath of life" and the seat of affection. It's what makes up your personality. The “mind” is the part of us that criticallythinks,reasoningamatter to come up with a meaningful conclusion. So, now that we have brieflymentionedthesethings,let's dive into the essentials of getting your love straight with four key insights.

1.PriorityCheck:WhatDoYou Love More Than God?

Matthew 22:37 emphasizes loving the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind. This means loving God above all else. Take a moment to reflect on what takes precedence over Him. Matthew 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord, andHewillgiveyouthedesires of your heart." God built you to say yes to your desires.[2] For this reason, we should seek God to shape our desires accordingtoHis.

Note to self: Work on theheart.

Consider the word "delight" means to enjoy your walk with God. But it also means pliable. God puts His desire in your heart when you are submittedandpliableinHishands.

Reflecting the insight of Dr. R.A. Vernon, it's emphasized that God's love takes precedence over all. Dr. Vernon illustrates this through his daily practice of addressing Jesus first upon waking each morning, even before greeting his beloved wife.Inthesamevein,Iencourage you to give God His rightful place. Seek His guidance asking Him to reveal anything that might take precedence over your relationship withHim.

Luke 6:43 emphasizes that our actions reflect the condition of our hearts. Therefore, if you find yourself not acting in alignment with what you believe is right, it indicates an issue within your heart. Often, we tend to view our connection with God like a lawn with a few patches of green grass - focusing on the visible healthy aspects while neglecting the bare patches and unhealthy roots below the surface. To realign your love, seek God's guidance to uncover the hidden aspects of your heart. Embrace the growth opportunities He reveals and promptlyaddressthem.

2. Heart Checks: The Davidic Approach. Inspired by David's prayer, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new right spirit in me " (Ps. 51:10-12), understand the need for heart checks, emphasizing the importance of a new spirit from God. Scholars believe when David prayed this prayer; he used the sameHebrewverbnotedinGenesis 1:1 for the world's creation. This emphasized a radical cleansing he needed that could only come from God[3].

In Psalm 139:23-24 David says, “Search me, God, and know my heart;testmeandknowmyanxious thoughts. See if there is any offensivewayinme,andleadmein thewayeverlasting.”

David invites God to delve into his heart, uncovering any hidden things. When you purposefully seek, God responds with intentional assistance! The payoff is significant wholehearted love for God unlocks the gate to intimacy (Deut. 30:30), blessings (Deut. 30:9), guidanceandwisdom(Prov.3:5-6), peace (Is. 26:3), transformation and spiritual growth (2 Cor. 3:18; Gal. 5:22-23), purpose and fulfillment (Ps. 37:4), and eternal life (John 10:28). To get these things, we must make loving God an intentional prayer point. When you’ve learned to love God right, then you are readytoloveothers.

3. ChangeisCritical:Restructuring YourLifetoLoveGodRight.

Jesus challenges us to keep His commandments as an expression of love. He said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). The Amplified version says it so beautifully: "If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments." To demonstrate this kind of requires restructuring priorities. I once felt compelled to putGodfirst.So,IaskedGodtohelp me. He responded, "What you put first is first." I replied, "Well, Lord, that's unfair because I love you. I don't have lots of free time." In retrospect, I see how this sounds to God. He never told me not to love myfamilyorthepeopleHe'splaced in my life. He knows I have responsibilities, work and other things. However, the takeaway is clear,makeGodmy priority!

4. ShowGodYou’reSerious: DemonstrateLove.

Would you want a relationship with a husband, who rarely, if ever, spendstimewithyou?Ilearnedthat loving God is a heart posture. In response to God's challenge, I “restructured”mylifebystartingmy days with prayer. I've grown to include evening meditation, which has proven to be a powerful way of hearing God’s heart and loving Him more. I encourage you to restructure your life in a way that demonstrateslovingGodentirely.

Once you prioritize your relationship with God, take proactivestepstomanifestHislove on Earth. The Bible emphasizes God's profound love for humanity, evident in the sacrifice of His only Son(John3:16).Considerextending a helping hand to someone in need – embodying the essence of God's love. The Bible calls us the "salt of the earth." Just as a meal lacks flavor without salt, the world lacks life without the Church's acts ofkindnessandevangelism. When you seek guidance from God on aiding others, His response will be profound. You go beyond mere words; you are a believer actively showcasing your love for God through your actions. To help you along this journey, please feel free toutilizethisprayer:

HeavenlyFather,inthenameofJesus,IpraythatYouunveilanyobstacles preventingmefromfullyembracingloveforYou.Grantmethewisdomtoleada lifethatglorifiesYouandwholeheartedlylovesYou.Surroundmewithpeople whoauthenticallyexpresstheirloveforYou.

Breakthechainsofanyidolsthatmayhavetakenprecedenceover mydevotiontoYou.IrenounceanyformoflukewarmChristianityand alifethatfallsshortofpleasingYou.Takemylovetothenextdimension.

AsIdeepenmyloveforYou,maymylifeserveasanexample thatinspiresothers;inJesus'name,Ipray.Amen

DavetaearnedherBachelor'sinNursingfromElms College and a Masters in Theology from Liberty University

In addition to her academic achievements, she has delivered sermons such as "TheWeightofHisGlory"and"There'sAMiracleinthe First"Daveta,apreacher,teacher,songwriter,poet, and devoted worshipper, is blessed with various gifts.SheistheEditor-in-ChiefofKingdomWoman withavisiontoinspirewomenofallnationalitiesto feel integral to God's Kingdom and deepen their connection with Him Daveta authored two books, withherlatestworkbeing"100InspirationalQuotes& Empowering Words for Kingdom Women" Additionally, Daveta was recruited to the launch team for Peter Scazzero, a New York Times bestselling author, providing insightful book reviews for hislatestpublication Davetaistheproudmotherof onedaughter

Notes

1]DavidBowmen,RewireYourHeart:ReplaceYour DesireForSinWithDesireForGodNelsonBooks: NashvilleTN,2018Kindle,(location309)

2]Ibid

3]SheilaAlewine,HowtoLovetheLordYourGod WithAllYourHeart,Soul,Mind,Strength(Mark 12:27)https://wwwcrosswalkcom/faith/biblestudy/how-can-i-love-god-with-all-my-heartsoul-mind-and-strengthhtml)Accessed11524

References

MarkCole,"SevenbenefitsofLovingGod" https://wwwmarkcoleca/seven-benefits-ofloving-god/Accessed11624

PhotoscourtesyofPexels

IT'S GAME TIME! THE EMOJI GAME

M a t c h t h e e m o j i w i t h s t o r i e s o f w o m e n i n t h e B i b l e .

Answer Key

2

1

Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the wedding feast with wine (John 2:1-11)

Evil Delilah seduced Samson, cut his hair, and lost his strength (Jud 16:4-28)

3.

Noah's wife was on the Ark in the flood with her family (Gen. 7:13).

4.

Rebekah came to the well to water her sheep and met her husband (Gen.29).

Distressed, Hannah prayed in the Temple, and God gave her a son (1 Sam. 2:1-10).

6.

5. The Shunammite woman ' s son died. She hurried to Elijah, and God restored her son (2 Kings 4:8-37)

7

Queen Esther fasted, held a banquet, and revealed Haman's evil plot (Esther 6:14-8:17)

9.

8. God promised Abraham his elderly wife Sarah would have a son (Gen. 17:16).

Mary Magdalene had seven demons, gave her life to Jesus, and faithfully followed Him (Luke 8:1-3).

“Life Shouldn’t Always be Hard”

A Season Called “Soft”

By Rev. Phyllis L. Linnes M.Div.

I must have been around nine years old when I heard a sermon entitled "Take Delight " My pastor, a graduate of the Duke University Divinity School, was a skilled homiletician It seemed his sermons were smeared with the blood of Jesus while stoking the fires of social justice and Black liberation Under his tutelage, delighting in the Lord was not a common thread in his teachings

Forty or so years later, delighting in the Lord still feels antithetical to the struggles and sacrifices of those seeking to be more like Christ We are to be crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20) We are to bear our cross (Luke 14:27) We are to deny ourselves (Matthew 16:24), not delight

Several months into the pandemic, unable to attend church and relying on online service for worship encounters, I was brought back to this Scripture Psalm 37:3-7a reads, "Trust in the Lord and do good. Then, you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act "

In the middle of balancing teleworking, parenting, serving, and surviving a global pandemic, this promise from the Lord captured me I felt convicted because I'd gotten it all wrong for years Hearing and

reading verse 4 several times, I never studied it for myself When I thought of delight, it was from a naive and foolish point of view In fact, the image of someone delighting in the Lord seemed comical to me I envisioned a doe-eye saint, joyously twirling around a field of lilies, free from strife and fully engrossed in the goodness of the Lord It was idealistic and unreal and far from the world that I lived in A world influenced by politics rather than principles A world besieged by division, class, and hatred A world where the blood of sons and daughters cried out for justice There was no time for twirling in my world Convicted, I heard the words of my mother, "There are seasons when you ask permission, and there are seasons when you take authority." The pandemic ushered me into a new season.

The physical, elemental, and spiritual aspects of seasons have always intrigued me The spring season is one of transformation and renewal Mother Earth is emerging from her slumber The days become longer, and there is a sense of hope and resurrection in the air Born in June, I am a summer baby I enthusiastically embrace long, sunny days. When I think of summer, I think of light, vitality, energy, and joy. The fall encourages us to release and let go of what is no longer serving us. It's time for preparation and storing up for what is to come. It's a season of surrender, thanksgiving, and gratitude. The winter season brings about an intentional introvertedness or a holy hibernation. The coldness outside encourages us to stay where it's warm We reflect on promises to come as we plan for the new year

"If you've spent any time on social media, you've probably heard the term soft life. The soft life aesthetic ranges from jetsetting on a solo vacation to indulging in the most decadent perfume to arranging a bouquet of fresh-cut roses Women are defining what a soft life looks like for them The intersection of softness, feminine energy, and submission seems to collide with Black Christian women.

Soft and sanctification can co-exist. It should co-exist A season called soft is the manifestation of a life that has proven God to be trustworthy Soft requires surrender We surrender to the will, the weight, and the wait of God

Contrary to social media, soft is more than pumpkin-spiced lattes and avocado toast; it's developing a consistent prayer life in which we talk to God, listen to God, and follow God's directions.

"It's more than manicures and pedicures; it's facing an adversary or trial, doing what you can, and leaving the rest in God's hands.

It's more than drizzling essential oils into a hot bath; it's hearing the doctor's report and laying hands on yourself or your loved ones

Then there is another season. In this season we must intentionally carve out a space for us to be our authentic selves. This season is called soft. It's a continuum where we surrender and embrace, where we release and call forth. It's where we take delight. The action of taking is key. Taking is to lay hold of something with our hands, to reach and to hold To take is to remove something from another particular place

Sometimes, it's letting the tears fall, knowing that life isn't fair; yet when we wake the next day, while life may be unfair, we know that God is always just.

Sometimes, it's letting the tears fall, knowing that life isn't fair; yet when we wake the next day, while life may be unfair, we know that God is always just

A season called soft can be our portion; it is the promise of Psalm 37: 3-7a When I studied this passage, several words lingered Trust Do good Live safely

Prosper Take delight Commit everything

Radiate Shine Be still Presence Wait

Verse 3: Trust in the Lord and do good Then, you will live safely in the land and prosper Trusting in the Lord and doing good, then you will have safety in the land and prosper (this is protection) Ladies, let's be honest, when we feel protected, it ushers softness into the relationship.

When we have been vulnerable with anyone other than God, we may have been hurt In order to protect ourselves, our hearts, and our sanity, we become the opposite of soft We become hardened This is our shield of self-preservation How has that preservation been working for us? A season called soft requires that we trust God with our next, even our next hurt or heartbreak We have to trust God and the people God brings into and removes from our lives If you have lived long enough, you have a track record with God, and you've found God to be worthy of our trust God is our shield and our safe space When we feel safe enough to be vulnerable, there is a brightness in our conversations, a boldness in our actions, and an ever-ready "Yes" on our lips.

Verse 4: Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desires

Take delight Delight in Christ? How can I take delight when everything around me is crashing? A "season called soft" reminds us to take delight because everything around us is crashing. Delight means to be delicate, be pampered, make merry over, and be pliable. Pliable suggests something is easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated Our hearts become pliable in the hand of God Almighty In this season, our prayer should be God, mold me to your design Move my will and flesh out of the way and make me sensitive to the matters of your heart.

Verse 5: Commit everything you do to the Lord Trust him, and he will help you I always wanted to be the mother who rose early to have coffee and devotion with the Lord. But the way mothering, working overnights, and now perimenopause has disrupted my sleeping pattern, I've never been that woman A season called softness calls us to be realistic Rather than beat myself up, I take time throughout the day to commune with God When I rise, I thank God for another day to make Hashem smile. When I cook our meals, I pray for my family members who will eat them, and while this meal strengthens our bones, the

word of God will strengthen our souls I'm praying for the farmers and their families, and every sacrifice made between the farm and my table. At work, I strive to reflect Christ in my conversations, work product, and group chat I could go on, but you get the point Commit everything you do to the Lord

Verse 6: He will make your "innocence" radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun The radiance of God is better than any skincare routine! God will make you radiant. A season called soft will rejuvenate us. Time with God can redeem the years and reinvigorate our enthusiasm and love for God This radiance, this shine, is not for us to be brighter; it's for others to see God within us and be drawn to the glow-giver How do we shine? We talk about Christ, and we talk like Christ We live like Christ We love like Christ, and we lead like Christ Matthew 5: 14-16 (Message) reads,

"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."

My radiant sisters, our directive is clear, "Shine, be open and generous with our lives and others will be encouraged to avail themselves to God

Verse 7: Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act One of my seminary teachers shared, "As a preacher, the best gift you can give to God is a rested, available, and equipped vessel " I laid hold of this nugget There have been several times when I was stuck or overwhelmed in preparation to minister that I would stop everything and be still. Often, I will take a

nap because, as a dreamer, my next step is revealed in my dreams. A season called soft will urge us to rest while waiting. I've learned to wait for God to act. Wait for God to speak. Wait for God to point. This rest is preparation. Once God has spoken, we must respond, and if we're tired, hungry, overwhelmed, or exhausted, how can we effectively obey God?

We know life isn't easy However, life shouldn't always be hard, either There should be pockets of pleasure, some dalliance of delights on our journey to be more like Christ A soft season is not an ode to consumerism or material goods but rather a holy resistance to worldly stereotypes of the Black woman as a workhorse, the bitter breadwinner, or the hardened housewife. When we lay hold of our delight in our Lord, we fall into that carved-out space with the Lord and embrace the attributes of the abundant life that Christ died for. We must learn to carve out this time before our world caves in. My sisters, be gentle with yourselves and stay soft.

She is a mom and a minister on a mission! Rev Phyllis is the great granddaughter of two Methodist preachers and prophets Standing on the shoulders of her ancestral giants, she flourishes in both mantles by serving as an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church An experienced playwright and creative, Rev Phyllis earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in 2014 She is the very proud mother of a brilliant and intuitive teenage son Rev Phyllis is a self-proclaimed foodie, cute shoe lover and single parent advocate. First Came the Carriage is Rev. Linnes’ first book.

Poetry for the Soul

The Winning Woman

I thought I was going down for the last time.

I thought, this time, I'm surely losing my mind

Then I read something in Your Word that said, Be still and know that I am God

You see, nothing can ever get to you

Without first passing through Me

But because of relentless attacks, you cannot see.

ByDavetaBrown

When God said this, I kept crying, dear LORD, I need relief

I need a break away from all this stuff

Wearing and testing me

Then You said, My child, just rest in Me.

And remember, I walked on the deepest seas

So, go ahead and get through this final test.

Because no trick of the enemy will halfway prosper at best

No weapon he forms will take what I've designed for you.

And when I realized this, it was like all things became new

Then I jumped over walls and leaped through troops.

I learned that the enemy's weapons couldn't Stop me from winning.

He couldn't control me or temporarily snap

The old traps of sinning.

I'm now more powerful than I was before

And I can't wait to see what heaven has in store.

So, you see, Satan is shooting his best shots

But he's about to find out what I'm all about.

I'm more than a conqueror, a daughter of the Almighty King

And in God's strength, even when it looks like I'm losing;

Guess what devil, I ultimately win

CLEARING THE MISCONCEPTIONS

People often ask, “What do chaplains do?” It is a misconception to think that chaplains only go in and “pray” for people Yes, prayer is an important part of the work; however, it’s only the tip of the ice burg of what we do. Working as a staff chaplain for some years now has taught me so many ways to serve people that many others will never fully comprehend. It was after obtaining my credentials to be a Church Administrator and two graduate degrees later that no church would hire me for the job. Thankfully, a family member suggested I look into being a chaplain, and the investigation began. I looked for chaplain positions to apply for and soon learned I needed more training, something called CPE, Clinical Pastoral Education That’s when I also asked, “Why do I need all this education and training to be a chaplain? What ‘do’ they do?” It wasn’t until after becoming a hospital staff chaplain and spending time with people that I’ve learned and continue to learn the vast, complicated situations that we are called to. Being a chaplain is not just a job; it’s a calling, it’s a ministry… and my personal philosophy only touches the surface.

When I think about chaplaincy, it is pastoral care in its purest form. I am reminded of a question that David Oliphant asked, “how can people from different faiths and spiritual backgrounds, admittedly united in a commitment to care for others emotionally, spiritually and religiously, work and train together in paid and volunteer capacities as the ‘profession’ of pastoral care and chaplaincy?”[1] To answer that question, I think one should look at the basics. Our commonality is that we are all human beings first-- individuals with like conditions People who need to be connected--people who yearn for love and acceptance. People with a voice that needs to be heard and individuals who need validation. I was raised in a denomination that was very dogmatic and judgmental. People were not valued for who they were. Rather, they were judged for what others saw. Things were black or white with no gray areas. When I visit a patient for the first time, whether in a hospital setting, a facility, or in their home, what I see is a person. Someone who is vulnerable yet valuable, and I’m not thinking about their faith or spiritual background

Chaplains approach individuals without expectations or assumptions and meet patients with the intention of creating a purposeful relationship. When I see someone hurting, my mind wonders about their condition What is your story? What has brought you to this place?

Aschaplains,wesitinthe experiencewiththem.

When someone is facing death or has lived in traumatic situations, the response can be psychologically detrimental. When I first started in clinical pastoral education, I thought, “I’m going to help people.” I never imagined that I had to first help myself Clinical pastoral training informs one how to remember life experiences and integrate them into one’s guidance without bringing countertransference into the conversation. Because of this training, I now understand how to talk about the experience of being raped; and counsel from the traumatic experiences of abuse and addictions while growing up, and never mention a word of it. Remembering those incidents and putting the clinical learning methods into practice is what informs me and gives me the confidence to be an effective chaplain.

The work of a chaplain is one who can walk alongside another person as they are facing death or reliving the trauma that has paralyzed their thought process to the point that they cannot make simple decisions. Dr. Van der Kolk explains trauma this way: “Trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body. This imprint has ongoing consequences for how the human organism manages to survive in the present.”[2] And to help someone through that trauma, “the body [and brain] needs to learn that the danger has passed and to live in the reality of the present.” Being aware of this is what gives me confidence in my pastoral authority, meeting people where they are. As chaplains, we sit in the experience with them.

Pastoral care and chaplaincy are synonymous. My philosophy is the two have everything to do with people Valuing them, honoring, acknowledging, hearing them, and validating who they are. In other words, I pay attention to what is happening in the moment and respect the patient where they are without judgment or agenda. This writer believes that people are products of their experiences, and humanity and culture plays an intricate role in who we are, what we think, and how we cope with life. When a person is in a vulnerable state, I agree with Gerkin that pastoral counseling has the task of [3] “helping the patient to restructure his or her own experience [to allow] a new set of images to emerge that structures a new, less painful and more hopeful story.” Pastoral care is about journeying with people in anticipation that they come to understand their inner world and be okay with it.

Pastoral care is walking into unknown, not yet knowing the patient’s story. The atmosphere in the room, the temperament of the patient, and the emotions of the family all contribute to what is done next. One must have a high level of perspicacity to operate in that unknown I do my best to present myself in a way that is trustworthy and hope that the patient is comfortable enough to openly and honestly converse with me. This kind of pastoral care is what Gerkin calls “a dialogical hermeneutical process involving the counselor and counselee in communication across the boundaries of language.”[4]

Chaplaincy is knowing how to listen to someone whose story is very similar to your own, being fully cognizant of what is happening inside of yourself, and sitting in the heaviness It’s hard, but it’s worth it because of the compassion for others that our Father has given us.

The task of a chaplain also incorporates the counselor (chaplain) counselee (patient) relationship; where two are in the moment together creating the space and the conversation needed that allows the healing process to happen. This takes time, and I believe this is a critical piece of being a chaplain In Boison’s book, The Living Human Document, he gave four students the opportunity to learn how to read ‘human documents.’ He talks about being convinced through his experiences, that the patient’s wellbeing is more dependent on the individual who spends time “hour after hour” [5] with that patient. It takes time to gain some level of trust. Being an experienced hospice chaplain, I’ve learned not to approach any patient or family with my own agenda, it’s not to “get in pray and get out.” Approaching a patient in the hospital is different than approaching a patient in their home. Usually, when patients choose to have a chaplain visit in their home, they have their own agenda In either place, the question that I’ve been repeatedly asked remains the same. “Where is God?”

CHAPLAINCY

END OF LIFE SUPPORT

SPIRITUAL CARE

HELPS PATIENTS FIND GOD HELPS WITH DIFFICULT QUESTIONS

COUNSELING

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

HOME VISITS GAINS TRUST

SITS WITH PATIENTS THROUGH THEIR PAIN

In the ugly, in the hurt, in the sorrow, and all the pain – people want to know where God is I don’t see that as a quandary. We, as chaplains, are people educated and trained in the way of the Divine. What is the Divine? I’m certain there are many ways to explain it; however, I think the consensus by all would be that it is beyond human perception. I believe when the chaplain walks into the room, she brings God with her. We are the ones who are equipped to help our end-oflife patients find God in the moment without ever addressing God. As counselors, we are the ones who walk alongside people as they reconstruct the images of their past until they can find meaning in its purest form.

It would be remiss not to acknowledge two other aspects of chaplaincy: spiritual care (also known as the Devine) and the psychological aspect; the intellect and the emotions. In the workplace, spiritual care is said to be more perplexing than pastoral care. Perhaps that’s because spirituality is subjective and abstract; it can be different for each person. This writer believes the Divine helps to narrow the scope

of chaplaincy work down to a focus because what is man, truly? Genesis tells us that God formed man from dust; however, he didn’t exist until God blew breath into him. That’s when man became “a living soul.” [6] He came to life and became psychologically aware of himself Descartes said it like this “I think; therefore, I am,”[7] Dykstra said, “the capacity to make meaning marks the human as human,”[8] those three phrases mean the same thing.

Spirituality incorporates various themes such as love, grace, compassion, peace of mind, nature, grief, and joy, to name a few; these are things that give people meaning, and they are the very core of chaplaincy work. Exploring what gives people meaning in the midst of their emotional anguish takes maneuvering into an unknown place. Being allowed to journey with them and holding that space until they can cleanse their soul is an honor. If I walk away from a visit where that transaction has taken place, it was worth all my years spent preparing for chaplaincy.

Having been called to the office of chaplaincy is a privilege. The opportunity to walk alongside people who are hurting or dying is truly a ministry. When I’m invited into someone’s sacred space, I hold that space in a safe container which allows them time to say or do whatever they need to. In appropriate times, it can be a struggle to find Scripture that will bring understanding or balance to a specific situation For a non-believer I must draw from my own experiences, because giving good advice, or even knowing when to give advice when it isn’t asked for, can be daunting, even damaging, so discernment must be on point. Sometimes, a chaplain is asked questions, or we’re told someone’s life secrets. Sometimes, confession takes place because that person just couldn’t hold it in any longer At times I get a request, and I try my best to honor that request; and sometimes I practice the ministry of presence and let the silence speak… it is in those times I sit and pray silently Always, I hold those moments close to my heart because they remind me that I have been given a gift.

Bibliography

Descartes Rene DiscourseontheMethodofRightlyConductingtheReasonand SeekingTruthintheSciences AccessedAugust31 2018 http://neamathisicom/new-learning/chapter-7-knowledge-andlearning/descartes-i-think-therefore-i-am

Dykstra RobertC (Ed):ImagesofPastoralCare:ClassicReadings St Louis MO: ChalicePress 2005

Gerkin CharlesV ReclaimingtheLivingHumanDocument:Re-VisioningPastoral CounselinginaHermeneuticalMode Eugene OR:ChalicePress 2005

Lawrence,RaymondJ NineClinicalCases:TheSoulofPastoralCareand Counseling self-published,2016

Oliphant,David “APhilosophyofPastoralCare”PastoralCareCounciloftheAct AccessedJune25,2018,wwwpastoralcareactorg/?s=David+Oliphant

ThomasNelson(Ed):KingJamesAnnotatedStudyBible Nashville,TN:Liberty Publishers,1988 Gen27:7

VanDerKolk,BesselMD,TheBodyKeepsTheScore NewYork:PenguinRandom House,2014

Notes

[1] Oliphant David "A Philosophy Of Pastoral Care" Pastoral Care Counsel Act accessedJune25 2018 wwwpastoralcareactorg/?s=David+Oliphant

2] Van Der Kolk Bessel MD The Body Keeps The Score (New York:Penguin RandomHouse 2014) 211

[3]Ibid32

[4]Gerkin CharlesV ReclaimingTheLivingHumanDocument:Re-Visioning PastoralCounselingInAHermeneuticalMode (Eugene OR:ChalicePress 2005)31

[5]Ibid 24

[6]ThomasNelson-Editor KingJamesAnnotatedStudyBible(NashvilleTN:Liberty Publishers 1988) 9 Gen 27:7

[7]Descartes Rene DiscourseOnTheMethodOfRightlyConductingTheReason AndSeekingTruthInTheSciences p19-20http://neamathisicom/newlearning/chapter-7-knowledge-and-learning/descartes-i-thinktherefore-i-am

[8] Dykstra Robert C Images Of Pastoral Care:Classic Reading (St Louis MO:ChalicePress 2005) 35 PhotoscourtesyofPexels

Lezlie Harvey is an experienced hospital chaplain whose work centers on hospice. She serves as a fulltime chaplain in Milford, Delaware Lezlie enjoys traveling and is a wife and mother of three children

Chaplaincy

Hidden Women In The Bible

ELISHEBA:THE WOMANWHOSE ACTIONSSPOKE LOUDER THANWORDS

By Daveta Brown

HernameisElishebameaningGodis myoath Shewasahiddenfigurefromthe tribeofJudah.Shebecamethewife ofthehighpriestAaron,Moses'brother. Hersonsweredeputypriests;thus,she wasthefoundressofanentireLevitical priesthood.Hernameneverappearsin anystory,apartfromherfamilyties Exodus6:23says,"Aaronmarried Elisheba,thedaughterofAmminadab andsisterNahshon.Andsheborehim NadabandAbihu,EleazarandIthamar."

Yet,whatpromptedtheinclusionofher nameinScripture?Inaccordancewith Jewishcustoms,enumerationsof ancestorstypicallyomitfemales. However,thepresenceofhername signifiestheremarkableimpactsheheld overthetrajectoryofheroffspring'slives [1] Additionally,it'sacknowledgedthata child'svirtuesandcapabilitiestraceback totheinfluenceoftheirmother[2].

So,whatlessonscanwegleanfrom Elisheba'snarrative?Formothers navigatingthechallengingjourneyof childrenstrayingfromtheircourse,I encourageyoutoanchoryour unwaveringloyaltytoGod.Andthatyou sincerelyintendtofollowChristcome whatmay JustasElisheba'snamebore profoundmeaning,symbolizing"Godis heroath,"thisveryconceptcanbecome ourguidingprincipletoo.

Weshouldreleasethenotionthatwe'll neverstumble;instead,let'sstriveto embodythefinestexamplesofgodly essenceandcharacter.Letourstrength asmothersreflectthemeritofour teachings,evenifourchildrendeviate fromthepathwe'vesetbeforethem–for inthosemoments,Godremainsouroath. Then,thedaycame.Itwasadayof expectedcelebration.However,tragedy castashadowoverherjoyduringthe grandinaugurationoftheTabernacle. Withanticipation,shelookedforwardto witnessingherhusbandandsons embracetheirpriestlyduties.Regrettably, hertwoeldestpresentedanofferingthat hadnotbeensanctionedbyGod. Consequently,divinefiredescendedto consumethem

Imagineamotherinchurch,andher twosonsperishduringthereligious ceremony.Theanguishshemusthave feltisbeyondmeasure.Yet,amidsther agonizingexperience,sheclungtoher faithunwaveringly[3] It'sconceivable thatGod,symbolizedbyhername meaning"oath,"becamethefoundation ofhercommitment,compellingherto continueservingthesameGodwhohad takenfromhersomethingshecherished sodearly

Indeed,unapologetically,Godisher oathevenwhenHechoosesnotto publiclyunveilthefullextentofher virtuousdeeds Itcompelsusto introspect:Willweremainsteadfastin suchcircumstances?Menachem Posneraptlyconveys,"TheTorahis sparinginitswordsaboutElisheva, butperhapsthat'sthepoint.Shewas awomanofconvictionandfaith, whoseactionsspokelouderthanany words"[4].

QuestionsForReflection

InwhatwayscanyoudemonstrateyourallegiancetoGod?

1 Whenfacedwithcomplexproblems,areyouabletorememberyour covenantrelationshipwithGod,ordoyoumentallyabandonit?

3

2 ReflectononebiblicalbenefitofbeingloyaltoGoddespite circumstances.

Notes

1

2

Posner,Menachem.WhoWasElisheva?WhoWasElisheva? Chabad.org,(AccessedOctober8,2022).

Kenskey-FrymerTikva.Elisheba:Bible.JewishWomen'sArchive. https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/elesheba-bible.(Accessed October8,2022).

Posner. 3

Ibid. 4

PhotoCreditPexels&FreeBibleImages

THEOLOGIAN'S CORNER

"Whatthenshallwesaytothesethings?IfGod isforus,whocanbeagainstus?" (Romans8:31)

Explore your passion for delving into the Scriptures, spreading the word, or guiding others on their spiritual journey by joining us at Theologian’s Corner! Here’s how it operates: Each edition spotlights a Scripture, such as Romans 8:31. Immerse yourself in the passage, contemplate its significance, and then share your profound insights

Submit your article via email, and if your work stands out, we will connect with you to feature it in an upcoming edition

Bring a touch of creativity and inspiration to your writing.

Save the date; submissions for Romans 8:31 should be sent within 30 days after the official release date of April 18, 2024

If interested, please adhere to the provided guidelines when submitting your article.

Guidelines

1). Scripture: Romans 8:31.

2). Give your article a title.

3) Provide a brief exegesis & background of the Scripture.

4) Tell us how Romans 8:31 applies to your life & provide practical applications for readers.

5). The word count is 500. Submissions > 500 will be disqualified.

6). All articles must be in essay form & Word documents.

7). Submit your article for review, on the designated date by midnight EST, within 30 days after the release date of the previous Issue, and the article that wins will be published in an upcoming Issue.

8). Email: info@KingdomWomanMagazine.org, and title your email "Theologian's Corner."

9). We will post winners as we receive responses.

THE WINNING ARTICLE FOR THEOLOGIAN'S CORNER IS..... WILL WILL IT BE IT BE YOU? YOU?

Girl Get Your Greens

Eating greens doesn’t have to feel like eating rabbit food. Sneak greens into your diet and get a host of hardworking power packed antiinflammatory nutrients. There are many ways to make it deliciously easy to incorporate them into your diet. And here’s three ways:

SERVINGS: 1

READY IN: 10 MIN

INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS

1 thickly sliced, frozen banana

2 cups chopped kale

1/3 cup orange juice

1/4 cup milk

1 tablespoon flax seed meal (optional)

1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)

NOTES:

1 Add banana, kale, flax seed meal and coconut oil into a blender Add milk and orange juice

2 Cover the blender and puree Viola, you are done!

Calories 397, Carbs 53.8, Sodium 87, Fiber 7.8g, Protein 9.6g, Fat 19.6g. Photo courtesy of Pexels. Recipe from Allrecipies.com.

Green Pizza

An alternative to traditional pizza

SERVINGS: 6

INGREDIENTS

1 pound of prepared pizza dough (preferably wheat)

2 cups chopped broccoli florets

1/4 cup water

5 ounces of chopped arugula (tough stems removed)

Fresh ground pepper to taste

1/2 cup prepared pesto

1 cup mozzarella cheese, part skimmed & shredded

NOTES:

READY IN: 30 MIN

DIRECTIONS

1 Put oven rack in lowest position

2 Preheat to 450 degrees F

3 On a lightly floured surface roll out dough about the size of the baking sheet and transfer dough to sheet & bake 8-10 min.

4.Meantime, in a large skillet over medium heat cook broccoli for about 3 minutes until crisp-tender Add arugula and stir until wilted for about 1-2 minutes Add salt & pepper.

5. Evenly spread pesto over crust. Then add broccoli and sprinkle with cheese. Bake 810 minutes until crispy, golden, and cheese is melted Done

Serving 1/6 of recipe, Calories 341, Carbs 36.9g, Sodium 638mg, Fat 14.7g. Recipe & Photo from Allrecipies.com.

Easy Portuguese Kale Soup

A great filler-upper

SERVINGS: 6

INGREDIENTS

1 chopped onion

1 cup elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 potatoes cut & cubed

1 (16-ounce pkg) of kielbasa, diced

3 chopped carrots

1 tablespoon salt (reduce if needed)

3 chopped garlic cloves

1 tablespoon ground black pepper

1 cup water

1 bunch of kale, slice into thin ribbons

NOTES:

PREP 15 MIN, COOK 1 HOUR 10 MIN, READY IN: 1: 25 MIN

6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

2 (14-ounce) cans of chicken broth

DIRECTIONS

1 In a stock pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic & stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add Kielbasa, cook about 5 minutes, and stir until browned. Season with pepper & salt And cook until potatoes brown

2 Drain & rinse 1 15-ounce can of kidney beans.

3.Pour chicken broth, water, carrots, kidney beans & kale into the stock pot.

4 Stir macaroni into the soup & cook for about 15 more minutes Garnish with parmesan cheese & serve

Serving 1/6 of recipe, Calories 580, Carbs 60 5g, Sodium mg, 2718mg, Fat 28.2g, Protein, 23.4. Recipe & Photo from Allrecipies com

THE VIRTUAL PRAYER WALL

"Shullum, son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section with the help of his daughters" (Neh. 3:12).

AreyouacontemporaryDaughterofShullum? Youlikelyarewithoutevenrealizingit I firmlybelievethatpastors,prophetesses, elders,ministers,deaconesses,intercessors, andministryleadersembodythespiritof Shullum'sdaughters.Here'swhy:whenthe protectivewallsofJerusalemlayinruins,the daughtersofShullumplayedavitalrolein rebuildingthem Itwasnoeasytask!So,if you'vebeenactivelyinvolvedinministry, makingsignificantsacrificestosupportothers ontheirspiritualjourneys,it'stimetoliftyou upinprayer!

MuchlikethedaughtersofShullum, contemporaryleadershavecontributedto constructingspiritualwalls,ferventlypraying forGod'sprotectionoverthelivesofthose undertheircare.Recognizingthesignificance ofsafeguardingthosewhohavedevoted themselvestothiscalling,weinviteyouto participateincreatingacollective"Prayer Wall"fortheseleaders Weencourageyouto submittheinitialsandtitlesofyourFirst Ladies,Pastors,elders,ministers,deaconesses, intercessors,andprophetessestoourgrowing list.

Email:info@KingdomWomanMagazineorg, andwe'llincludetheirdetailsinour expanding“listonthewall.”Thegoalisto strengthenthespiritualfortressesofthose whohaveplayedinstrumentalrolesinguiding andnurturingourfaith.

Asweembarkonthiscollectiveprayer journey,weinviteallintercessorstoinclude the“KingdomWomanPrayerWall”intheir prayers.Let'sunitetoensurethatthewallsof divineprotectionaroundourministryleaders remainsteadfastandunyielding.Throughthe powerofcommunalprayer,wereinforcethe spiritualfoundationslaidbythesedevoted leaders.Theybuiltawallofprayerforus; now,let'sbuildoneforthem.

Prayforyour ministryleader’s: Husbands Futurehusbands Children&families Safety Ministries Health Spiritualvision Perseverance

LadyVictoryVernon

PastorMarySearight

LadyGlynnisSherrod

N.JonesMinistries

ProphetessK.Lyles

ProphetessDorisLindsey

PastorJuanitaWeiss

Rev.PhyllisLinnes

ProphetessDanaHines

ChaplainLeslieHarvey

ElderB.Weeks

ElderM.Barnes

Evan G G

Evan Stewart

Min.ChaundriaSmith

Min.C.Smith

Min. D.M.

ElderA.Jackson

Pastor G M

ElderT.

Min.J.M.

Min.C.M.

Min.K.Frazier

Min M Terry

Min R Crumb

Min.T.Wilson

Lady E.Wainright

ProphetessC.Benson

Rev.K.Brown

PastorS.R.

Min N Hudgins

Min L Williams

Rev.B.M.

Rev.B.Keene

Min K Berryo

ProphetessT.M.

EvanL.Allen

LadyJ.M.

Pastor.S.J.

Rev N Pyles

LadyPeggyBrown

Min.D.Winston

ProphetessT.McDaniels

Rev.LoriP-Banfield

Dec.P.Edwards

Min.V.Hall

ApostleJackson

EvanG Clark

ElderJ.Patton

EvanJ.Stovall

PastorM.Walker

PastorT.W.

Notes

***Nameslistedonprayerwallareintheorderreceived

Reference:LeighPowers,WomenoftheBible:Shullum'sDaughters (Neh 3:12) https://leighpowerscom/2016/04/12/women-bible-shallumsdaughters-nehemiah-312/ (Accessed21324)

I H A V E A L W A Y S W A N T E D T O

T E L L G O D

T H E N E X T T I M E I P R A Y , I

W I L L P R A Y A B O U T

T H E L A S T T I M E I C H E C K E D

F O R U N F O R G I V E N E S S W A S

T H E H A R D E S T T H I N G F O R M E

T O D O I N M Y W A L K W I T H G O D I S

W H E N I ’ M F A C E D W I T H

D I F F I C U L T I E S T H E F I R S T

T H I N G I D O I S

W H A T D I D Y O U L E A R N

A B O

U T Y O U R S E L F ?

Affirmations

I am deeply loved by God, and His love fills me with the desire to love Him more each day.

I am grateful for the opportunity to grow closer to God through prayer, scripture, and worship.

I trust in God's plan for my life, knowing that His love guides me every step of the way.

I surrender my worries and fears to God, allowing His love to bring me peace and comfort

I am a vessel of God's love, sharing His compassion and kindness with others.

I find joy in serving God and His people, knowing that every act of love brings me closer to Him.

I seek to deepen my relationship with God through acts of gratitude and praise.

I am worthy of God's love and grace, and I embrace His forgiveness with a humble heart.

I choose to love God with all my heart, soul, and mind, allowing His love to transform me from within

I am rooted in God's love, and His presence sustains me through every challenge and triumph.

THE SECOND HALF THE SECOND HALF

A SPECIAL SEGMENT FOR PRIME TIMER’S & SENIORS

BY DAVETABROWN

As many of you traverse the journey of life and age gracefully, you may feel that there isn’t much left to accomplish. It's tempting to step back, thinking you are too old, and other generations should take the reins. The reality is there are some things to relinquish. But, if you haven't completed your heavenly assignment, rest assured, God isn't done with you.

In this dedicated segment for those navigating the second half of life, anticipate a blend of creativity, articles, insightful interviews, inspiring relevant poetry, Bible stories, and more.

Allow me to share a source of encouragement. Later in life, I had the privilege of being recruited as a member of the Launch Team for Peter Scazzero, a New York Times best-selling author. I’m a writer

and I believe that emotional health is critical.

As a member, on Peter’s Team we discussed the manuscript, interacted with the author, his wife and we wrote prelaunch reviews.

I enjoyed every moment of it! And if you know anything about the author, his book or achievements, then you’d know being on his Team was an honor! But there’s so much more.

During one of our Zoom meetings, Peter, in his mid 60s, expressed how he never imagined achieving more in the “second half” of his life than in the first. His books on Emotional Health adorn best-seller lists, translated into multiple languages, and are embraced by thousands of churches globally. Imagine if he had given up in his 40’s or 50’s. His journey teaches us that the second half can be as, if not more, beautiful.

So, if you find yourself in the second half of life, remember God’s promises. If they haven’t been realized, then please seize hope wholeheartedly. Look to the heavens and declare, “My latter shall be greater than the former!” (Haggai 2:9). Embrace God’s word and embark on the remarkable adventure that awaits.

HERE'S WHY YOU HAD TO GO THROUGH It

THE OLIVE PRESS & DIVINE DESTINY

By Editor-in-Chief Daveta Brown

Few experiences unsettle a believer like hearing God say, "You must endure this!" So, let's revisit the parallels between the olive press and the believer's walk. In the production of olive oil, olives undergo a process of being shaken off the tree, then crushed and pressed to extract valuable oil. Similarly, life's challenges and difficult moments refine and shape our character, faith, and relationship with God Just as the resulting olive oil holds value and purpose, the personal growth and spiritual maturation stemming from the shaking and crushing seasons of life yield significant outcomes

If any of this resonates with you, I encourage you to closely examine the workings of the olive press. Through this exploration, you can uncover the strength and encouragement necessary to persevere through your current journey. In doing so, you'll attain a deeper understanding of the profound significance of being anointed or consecrated for God's service, recognizing that it involves a thorough and meaningful process. Remember, God is a finisher; He undertakes nothing without seeing it through to completion

In biblical times, a significant circular stone comprised the olive press It enclosed a reservoir containing the olives while a large grinding stone rotated, effectively crushing them When looking at this naturally, it seems like something that's merely going around in circles, but its depth goes beyond. With each turn of the stone, oil was extracted from the olives, underscoring the transformative essence of the process.

Oil signifies increase, consecration, blessings, and prosperity. In ancient times, anointing with 'holy oil' entailed pouring it over the head of the high priest and sprinkling it upon tabernacle furnishings It's essential to emphasize that this oil was acquired only after the olives had undergone crushing

Metaphorical 'stones' that appear to roll over us will be encountered throughout our lives You may feel like you are going around in circles. Even Jesus, in His human experience, must have sensed the weight of life's stone pressing down on Him. We can deduce this from His endurance through numerous trials. Repeatedly and persistently, Jesus faced mistreatment, mishandling, and misunderstandings.

Individuals close enough to have faith in Him ended up rejecting Him In John 7:5, it's mentioned that not even His brothers believed in Him The term' brothers' here refers to those within the same religious community or church group Additionally, some scholars believe it refers to His actual brothers.

As prophesied by Isaiah, "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3-12). Even Peter, who held a place in Jesus' innermost circle, disowned Him.

When Jesus was apprehended and taken to the high priest's residence, Peter shadowed at a distance When questioned about his association with Jesus on three separate occasions, he denied any connection (Luke 22:54-62). Try to envision the weight of these moments.

During one of His most trying periods, Jesus found His disciples forsaking Him. When the Sanhedrin apprehended Jesus, the Scripture records, "All the disciples forsook Him and fled" (Matthew 26:56) Yes, it did say "All " It's painful enough when a single friend abandons you, but when a collective of trusted individuals walks away or abruptly changes their stance, the pain is excruciating.

The ultimate point of pressure came in the Garden and at the cross. In Gethsemane, just prior to His arrest, Jesus engaged in fervent prayer. Beneath the shelter of an olive tree, He knelt down, surrendered to the will of the Father, and displayed unwavering determination in fulfilling His mission for humanity He uttered these words: "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me? Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39)

Jesus understood that there was no bypassing the process of crushing Therefore, in principle, He positioned Himself upon the metaphorical olive press, willingly enduring repeated pressure, extracting the oil of anointing necessary for His calling. It was not optional it was intentional.

Despite the opportunity to declare 'enough' to pain, mistreatment, and mishandling, Jesus opted for endurance.

If you ever question God and wonder "why," the insights in this article provide some perspective. God has specifically chosen a purpose for your life, and for the "shaking" you are experiencing. Your challenging experiences are integral to the preparation process You can get through it because God designed you for this and authored the plan

I encourage you to be an empty vessel With each God-ordained trial you navigate, your anointing accumulates In due course, orchestrated by God, the challenges that initially appeared crushing will fill you with His oil and propel you toward your most significant assignment.

Photo credits Canva & Pexels

TELL THEM THAT I LOVE THEM

“WE LOVE BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US” (1 JOHN 4:19)

To truly experience God's love to the fullest requires a wholehearted commitment Now, I want to encourage you to reserve God's place and give it to no others. While we are called to love our families and those God has brought into our lives, seeking a human relationship to fill the void that only God can truly satisfy leads us down a chasm of hurt, confusion,anddisappointment.

Take a moment to contemplate God's boundless love Know that His love extends beyond your sins, shortcomings, mistakes, and past Jesus chose to love us by giving us what we needed most, even though we deservedittheleast.

Hisloveisunwavering.So,whetheryouare married, experiencing a love deficiency, or singleandlongingforloveandaffection,God wants you to understand that He loved you "first" Take a moment to let that settle His love existed before you were formed in your mother's womb His love predates your encounters with your husband, desire for a man,firstlove,oranyoneelse'slove.

God's love is limitless, unconditional, transformative, and all-encompassing. It offers solace, instills hope, and provides a sense of purpose. His love is characterized by its redemptive power, capable of transforming lives,healingwounds,andcatalyzingprofound personal growth Regardless of your current situation,whattrulymattersistrustingtheOne whocanchangeyoursituation

I encourage you to "look up" to the God who heals even the most despondent soul. Take a moment to find peace in His presence. Experience the love. Then, you will have a testimonythatyouarepositionedtoexperience thefullnessofHislove,andtoloveothers.

In closing, why did I penned this article? I wrote it in response to a question I asked the LordtogivemeclosingthoughtsforIssueOne Hisresponse,"TellThemThatILoveThem"

By Daveta Brown, Editor-in-Chief

Picture courtesy of Pexels

A SHOUT OUT TO SOME AMAZING KINGDOM WOMEN!

I want to express my gratitude to an incredible group of people whose invaluable contributions played a pivotal role in bringing this inaugural Issue to life. My sincere thanks extend to my immediate family members— Maronda, Melonie, Neena, and Dria for their support, which formed a solid foundation for this endeavor.

A special acknowledgment goes to my Pastors, Dr R A Vernon & Lady Victory Vernon D. Min., whose leadership and preaching have tremendously impacted my life The love you demonstrate for God is unparalleled and contagious Sharing your wisdom and life experiences with our readers is an honor!

I also want to convey my heartfelt appreciation to a remarkable trio: my family's Chaplain Lezlie Harvey of Delaware, Prophetess Dana Hines of Massachusetts, and good friend Reverend Phyllis Linnes of Maryland. I also want to recognize and thank Elder Brenda Weeks for your support and prayers.

To our valued subscribers and all contributors, you stand as pioneers in this global endeavor I sincerely thank you for spreading the word and sharing the Magazine's message I pray that as you continue to grow in your relationship with God, may He fulfill the desires of your hearts.

DAVETA BROWN,EDITOR- IN- CHIEF