LMP THE REVIEW DECEMBER 2019

MERRYChristmas

20 NINETEEN

“She’s been lost; She’s been found; She’s been...”

FORGIVEN by

Ayannah

www.ayannahwilliamsministries.com

day

MODERN

LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW

LIVING

LEGEND Maronald McDOUGLE MEET

MODERN day

MARONALD MCDOUGLE has a career that only a few people have had the privilege of performing - he is a Camera Diver for NASA with Bastion Technologies. In this position, he supports astronaut training and test operations at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL) in Houston, TX. He is the third African American diver in this position and currently he is the only African American diver. He is also the only diver who is a native of Mississippi. He recently celebrated his 25th anniversary working with our nation’s Space Program and his 20th anniversary as a diver.

McDougle is multi-talented when it comes to diving. In addition to camera diving, he’s also a member of the NBL Mockup Maintenance Dive Team. He conducts monthly and annual space station mockup inspections, as well as refurbishment and reconfiguration of the mockups. He works closely with the engineering team to ensure exact specifications are met to complete in-water support tasks.

McDougle didn’t begin his career with NASA as a diver. Before becoming a diver he worked for Boeing Aerospace Operations as an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF) Suit Technician. In this position he maintained and repaired the EMU training suits (white astronaut suits) and related equipment worn by astronauts to train in the pool in preparation for their “spacewalks”. He suited up the astronauts who were scheduled to perform spacewalks and performed pre-checks before the suited crewmembers entered the pool to perform their training. He worked as a suit technician for one year before moving on to his next position, working in the EMU Tool Lab. In the EMU Tool Lab he prepared training tools for astronauts to use during their underwater training, preparing them for when they would have to use the tools while making repairs during their spacewalks. He enjoyed working in this department but felt there was something else out there for him. He stayed in this department for six months. It wouldn’t be long before a position opened in the dive team department with NASA contractor Bastion Technologies.

When McDougle learned of this position, he began preparing for it. He completed his Professional Association of Diver Instructors (PADI) certification which is required training to fulfill the dive position. The strenuous PADI Certification training consisted of swimming 75 feet underwater without tanks, holding his breath, treading water for ten minutes and swimming 808 feet across the pool in 12 minutes. He also had to perform this test out in open water.

McDougle began his new career with the NBL Mockup Maintenance Team as a fabricator/diver. As a member of this team he fabricates/builds Space Shuttle and Space Station Lab Mockups, as well as building parts for the mockups which are placed into the pool and used by the astronauts as they train for their spacewalks.

McDougle also performs underwater repairs to the mockups. He had to perform rescue training where he would have to retrieve a person laying on the bottom of the 40 feet deep pool and bring the person back to the topside of the pool. He dives 5 – 6 times per week; camera diving is 2 hours 10 minutes underwater for each session; maintenance days he can be underwater up to 4 hours. He has accrued over 3000 dive hours.

As a camera diver he records underwater astronaut training for them to review later as they prepare to go to space. The astronauts train in the pool because it is the closest thing to a weightless environment for the most realistic training here on earth.

McDougle is a native of Moss Point, MS and was recently honored by the Moss Point Visionary Circle with the Living Legend Award at the 7th Annual Living Legends Ball. McDougle has been happily married to his wife Sharon for 27 years and they have two children – Dominique (daughter) and Corbin (son).

LIVING

LEGEND FOLLOW ON FB: MARONALD MCDOUGLE

day

MODERN

MEET

Sharon CAPLES McDOUGLE

PHOTO CREDIT: POINT & CLICK PHOTOGRAPHY

“Everyone knows that Dr. Mae Jemison was the first Black woman to travel into space - but many don’t know that a Black woman from Moss Point, MS, with her own firsts “suited her up”.

MODERN day

SHARON CAPLES MCDOUGLE grew up on the MS Gulf Coast and is a proud native of Moss Point, MS. She attended East Park Elementary, Ed Mayo Jr. High, and graduated from Moss Point High School.

McDougle began her career with the Space Shuttle Program as a Crew Escape Equipment (CEE) Suit Technician, responsible for processing the orange launch and re-entry pressure suit assemblies worn by all NASA space shuttle astronauts. She was assigned to her first mission within a year. McDougle was one of only two women CEE Suit Technicians and the only Black technician when she began her career.

Everyone knows that Dr. Mae Jemison was the first Black woman to travel into space - but many don't know that a Black woman from Moss Point, MS, with her own firsts "suited her up". McDougle was Jemison's "suit tech" for her historic mission aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor. McDougle worked closely with Jemison during her training leading up to launch, as well as actual launch day and landing of the space shuttle – taking care of all of her assigned crew escape equipment - from her writing utensils to her diaper!

McDougle moved up the ranks quickly and was promoted to the position of Crew Chief making her the first female and first Black Crew Chief in CEE. In her new position she was responsible for leading a team to suit up astronaut crews. As Crew Chief she had the honor of leading the first and only all-female suit tech crew supporting space shuttle mission STS-78.

Later in her career McDougle became the first, and only female, and Black person, promoted to the position of Manager of the CEE department. In this position, she managed the team of 25+ employees responsible for processing the Advanced Crew Escape Suit (ACES) and related equipment worn by the astronaut crews aboard the space shuttle. Her team assisted the astronaut crews in donning/doffing the suit, testing the equipment, strapping the astronauts into the space shuttle before launch, and recovering the crew upon landing.

During her career, she was recognized with the Astronaut “Silver Snoopy” Award, Space Flight Awareness Honoree Award, Employee of the Month Teamwork Award, Employee of the Month Community Service Award, and the coveted Women of Color in Flight Award from Dr. Mae Jemison recognizing my career as the first and only African American woman suit tech/crew chief in her field. She absolutely loved her job and is proud to have been a part of our nation’s historic Space Shuttle Program.

McDougle and her husband Maronald currently reside in La Porte, TX (Houston area) with their children Dominique and Corbin..

FOLLOW ON FB: SHARON CAPLES MCDOUGLE

McDougle is a United States Air Force (USAF) veteran, which is where she began her aerospace career in after graduating from high school. She served proudly in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) as an Aerospace Physiology Specialist at Beale Air Force Base, CA where she was responsible for training the SR-71 and U-2/TR-1 (“spy planes”) reconnaissance aircraft pilots on high altitude operations. She worked as a chamber operations team member during hypobaric and hyperbaric chamber operations.

McDougle has been recognized by her home state as a 2018 Mississippi Trailblazer at the 16th Annual Mississippi Trailblazers Awards Ceremony and Black Tie Gala where she received two awards: the Calvin “Buck” Buchanan “FIRST” Award named for Mississippi’s first United States Attorney for the Northern District – honoring a Mississippian who holds the distinction of being the “first” in their profession and the Dr. Cindy Ayers “Legacy” Award honoring a Trailblazer whose singular work and contributions will leave a legacy long after their life has ended.

Mcdougle was also recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Living Legend Award from the Moss Point Visionary Circle for my military service and NASA career McDougle was selected as one of 2018’s Most Influential African Americans in the State of Mississippi.

She also received the Lifetime Achievement award from the Moss Point Visionary Circle during their 6th Annual Living Legends Ball for her military service and NASA career. She and her husband and I both have family still living on the coast. I currently reside with my family in La Porte, TX (Houston area).

PHOTO CREDIT: POINT & CLICK PHOTOGRAPHY

IN THIS ISSUE

In this issue of LOVE, MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP: THE REVIEW, be inspired to try a few new things, get organized, or take your love experience to a new level of giving.

COUPLES IN PARTNERSHIP: This feature is the heart of the publication, so become acquainted with phenomenal couples from all over that are building businesses and serving their communities through a loving partnership.

DATE NIGHT IDEAS: Do more than flirt with the idea of Date Nights, make a commitment. These sweet notions will spark dedication for that much desired QT whether you’re single, just having fun, or in a committed relationship.

ON THE LOOKOUT: Consider yourself well informed of this set of business owners and public figures that are impacting their respective fields with grace, style and so much more.

The last month of the year is here! We encourage you to look at where you are and where you decided to be at the beginning of the year, and truly celebrate the goals that you set, take responsibility for the ones you missed and learn from them, and simply be grateful for it all.

LOVE, MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW is a monthly publication sponsored by MR & MRS KING that focuses on married couples that are in partnership with each other through service and/or business to their communities and abroad. The goal of the LMP | THE REVIEW is to inspire readers to look at the essence of partnership in marriage as shared by exemplary couples, ultimately moving readers to actively define, develop, and devote to their purpose as a couple.

from the

DESK OF Mr & Mrs King LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW

VISION VISION VISION There is a certain and triumphant victory in being able to see, to behold. It is a freedom where you finally have a keen awareness of truth. This vision is not a mere ability of one of your senses, but a mastery of the faculties of your mind. In a scientific sense, vision has to do with the process of light sending signals to the brain, however we are talking about an ability that benefits you far better than being able to safely make your way through your home or traffic. There are three types of vision that influence our thoughts and what we speak – subjective, relative and truth.

Vision that is subjective only can see current circumstances. Favorable or not, current circumstances tend to become familiar which is a breeding ground for comfort, a space that does not honor your goals. When we accept our current circumstances as truth, we carelessly begin to speak on what we see, dwell on what we see, and eventually repeat what we see.

Ask yourself how much has changed about your circumstances from the beginning of the year to now?

Relative vision is the habit of comparing where you are to another person.

We have no right, no authority and no ability to accurately compare where we are in relation to another person because we all have widely different stories. Every variable that affects our lives and where we are is only known

by God our Creator. Accepting this type of vision can lead to frustration and mismanaged expectations where you may be using the same skills and/or resources but lack the mindset that the other person, couple, business, etc. used to achieve what they have. Ask yourself if your contentment, or lack of it, is based on your personal growth or what you perceive in others.

True vision is a divinely liberating state of being where you get a glimpse of who you really are and what you can create and maintaining that vision until it manifests in natural form. This vision requires discipline and faith, courage and confidence, as well as submission and the ability to receive.

The benefit of having this type of vision is being able to pursue your desires and goals that stretch you, and you can do so with authenticity, peace, integrity and joy. As we approach a new year, a new decade, a new season, decide to have a 20/20 vision.

LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW

2019

Christmas

Dismiss every misconception that you have about Dating, be open-minded, and expect to have fun! Who says that Dating has to be anything other than what you want it to be? No one- it’s up to you how creative you want your predetermined moment of eminence to be! It is also important to note that Dating is for anyone: married, engaged, and yes, SINGLE.

dating

IDEAS BY: MR & MRS KING

HAVE A LUNCH HOUR DATE. Whether you have conflicting schedules or just need to switch things up a bit, it will be fun to rendezvous in the middle of the day for a change.

TAKE A PHOTO WALK. Wander around and capture anything that catches your eye with a camera or phone. Try shooting from a different perspective than you usually do. Have fun and be silly!

RELIVE YOUR FIRST DATE. Go back to the restaurant or coffee shop where you had your first date. Before you go home, consider re-creating your first kiss too.

TAKE A NATURE WALK More adventurous types can embark on a low-level hike, but any nature lover should try a scenic walk or a bike ride in nature with plenty of sights as food for conversation.

FEAT

URED C O U P L E

LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW

Wendell and Kimberly

STRAUSS

WENDELL AND KIMBERLY STRAUSS have been married for 4 years and are a blended family with 4 adult children and 2 grandchildren. They are the owners of Kimberly Strauss Designs LLC. Kimberly has a degree in fashion merchandising and has been focusing her God given talents in Commercial and Residential holiday dĂŠcor & interior design for the last 10 years. Kimberly is also a certified merchandise buyer with the Dallas Market Center in Dallas TX. Wendell has a degree in Electrical Technology and retried from United Parcel Service after 35 years of service in 2017.

Wendell has extensive management and industrial engineering experience from his UPS career.

Wendell also is an independent insurance property adjuster and is the director of Kitchen and Restaurant Technologies LLC. Together they have found ways to use the diversity of their individual backgrounds to meld them together to work to monetize their gifts as a couple. They are members of Word of Life Church Flowood MS. Pastor Joel Sims which has given them the spiritual guidance needed to become successful in life, marriage and in business.

the

REVIEW

WHO ARE YOU AS A COUPLE? As a couple we are a both gifted by God to be creative force. We learned early in our relationship that we both perform well in our individual areas of responsibility when we are at peace.

WHAT THINGS DO YOU ADMIRE ABOUT YOUR SPOUSE? We both admire each other’s sense of humor as we love to laugh. We admire that we are loyal and have each other’s back which is very important to us both. We admire our sense of style and flair, when it comes to getting dressed up time spent is never an issue.

LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW

HOW DO YOU PREPARE YOURSELF TO FUNCTION AS YOUR BEST SELF IN YOUR ROLE AS A SPOUSE? Spending quality time together in cultivating our physical and spiritual relationship on date nights, attending church and home prayer/study of God’s word. Our personal hierarchy that keeps us grounded is God First, Spouse Second, Everybody and Everything else is last.

love and

MINISTRY

HOW DO YOU UTILIZE YOUR DIFFERENCES INDIVIDUALLY AS ASSETS TO YOU AS A COUPLE? We value and respect each other’s diverse backgrounds, cultures, talents and skills, it just makes sense to allow the lead to whomever has the expertise. Kimberly has the eye for details in all things beautiful and Wendell’s business savvy experience fit perfectly together in our home as well as in our business endeavors.

WHAT DOES PARTNERSHIP IN MARRIAGE MEAN TO YOU? Partnership to us is about unselfishness that does not care who gets the credit. There is no “I” in team. Even when we are apart, we always end up saying or doing something to support each other’s dreams.

WHO IS THE MR AND MRS THAT PEOPLE DON’T GET TO SEE? Most people don’t get to see our heart for others as we have found our niche through mentoring, public speaking and empowering others for success through “Breakfast With Kimberly”, Real Life 101 (a program for at risk African American college students) and social media.

AS PARTNERS IN MARRIAGE, WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE GOAL? WHAT ARE YOU

WHAT IS A SCRIPTURE THAT YOU BOTH USE AS YOU FUNCTION IN A PARTNERSHIP? “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Gal 5:22-23.

WILLING TO SACRIFICE TO OBTAIN IT? Our ultimate goal is to have a long, blessed and prosperous life together that glorifies God. What are you willing to sacrifice to attain it? We have found that we are each willing to sacrifice our own individual desires for the sake of a peaceful marriage. We truly believe in Matt 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers”.

When we were married 4 years ago, we wrote our vows together using the fruits of the spirit as the model to follow as individuals and as a couple in marriage that is actively seeking after the spirit rather than the flesh. Our belief is in Gods promise for those who are strong in spirit “against such there is no law” that we would not be hindered in our partnership.

COVER PHOTO: Candice Harris Photography OTHER EVENT PHOTOS: Atlanta Professional Photographer Rosele MAKE UP: JUST AS BEAUTIFUL MAKEUP ARTISTRY HAIR: Tiffany Turner of TStylerz Collection HOLIDAY DÉCOR: Kimberly Strauss Designs LLC at the home of John and Jaqueline Reed KIMBERLY’S GOWN: Fancy Formals

ANDREA BLACKLEY is the owner and designer of the innovative clothing brand, AB Originals. Since she was 8 years old, she’s always had a keen eye, and love for style and fashion. Being raised by a fashionable single mother, one of her favorite moments of her childhood, is when her mom would go “Spring Shopping” for new clothes. It would always be a big event because Andrea would be spontaneously surprised after coming home from school, and finding a bed full of clothes laid out for her. “Christmas in Spring”, as she called it, was always one of her favorite times of the year. As an only child, this was definitely one of the benefits of not having any siblings. But it was also the birth of her infatuation with fashion.

W W W . S H O P S I T U A T E D . C O M

KIMBERLY “KIM” TAYLOR, Founder and Sole Proprietor of Kimazing Photography, is nothing less than a photographic genius.

Born in Slidell, Louisiana, she is loyal to her faith, her family, and her FOOTBALL (Go Saints). Kim’s love for the art of photography since her younger years has bolstered her ability to express the human spirit through the magic of her camera lens. Most times, in just a single click of the camera, her clients have come to life in a picture. Not only is she skillfully talented in her approach to create, capture and convey still moments, Kim has an authentic way of bringing imagination to life. For more than a pastime, Kim finds enormous pleasure in bringing out a variety of emotion in every shot. Branding Female Entrepreneurs through Lifestyle Photography has become her heart drive. Delivering a clean, clear and crisp image in a KIMazing way.

MEET

Kimberly

Kim’s art speaks thousands of words without ever being written down. Her focus and drive to positively exploit the human essence of her craft are beyond stellar. She takes her fearless ideas and pours them into her work.

She thrives off of the single clicks, the weight of her tool, the naturalistic emotions that are provided by her clients and the unexpected moments that give her life.

She is a boss, independent and free. She aims to capture the same spirit within others who also strive to accomplish this independence through their own efforts.

TAYLOR

In 2016 and 2017, 2018 and 2019 Kimazing Photography was featured in Promoting Purpose Women magazine and her images graced the Cover twice. She’s photographed over fifty Book Covers for Authors. Kim has Photographed Mayoral Candidate Mary Norwood, as well as Councilman James Lowe for Peachtree Corners.

678-464-1936 | www.kimazingphoto.com

EXPRESSING THOUGHTS

THROUGH WRITTEN

WORD!

W W W . H E L L O B L A C K M A N . C O M

Vision A MISSION STATEMENT IS NOT SOMETHING YOU WRITE OVERNIGHT... BUT FUNDAMENTALLY, YOUR MISSION STATEMENT BECOMES YOUR CONSTITUTION, THE SOLID EXPRESSION OF YOUR VISION AND VALUES. IT BECOMES THE CRITERION BY WHICH YOU MEASURE EVERYTHING ELSE IN YOUR LIFE.

- STEPHEN COVEY

Vision THEN

THE

LORD

REPLIED:

“WRITE

DOWN

THE

REVELATION AND MAKE IT PLAIN ON TABLETS SO THAT A HERALD MAY RUN WITH

- HABAKKUK 2:2 2

LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW

COMING SOON

WHERE WE TREAT

THE WHOLE

PERSON.

W W W . T U R N E R C A R E M S . C O M

EMB RACE life AS A GIFT DAILY

LO

V

THE FOUNDATION

LO

V

MA

RIA G

THE FOCUS

MA

RIA G R

PA

R

NE SH THE FRUIT

PA

RT NER

SHI

SAVE THE DATE | JANUARY 2020 .

W W W . H O W W E F L Y . C O M

LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW

YOUR

PUBLIC SCHOOL ALTERNATIVE!

W W W . T H E T T C A C A D E M Y . C O M

SashaESPADA

GO BEYOND ORDINARY AND ENTER A WORLD OF EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES. Unlock your travel potential by calling me today. Whether by land or cruise, I can make your vacation dreams come true!

WWW.OASISVOYAGESTRAVEL.COM

Relationship COMMUNICATION SUCCESSFUL

IT MAY COME AS A SURPRISE TO SOME THAT MERELY TALKING, THE EXCHANGE OF WORDS AND THOUGHTS BETWEEN TWO OR MORE PEOPLE, DOES NOT EQUATE TO COMMUNICATION - EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION THAT IS.

Consider these seven habits as you establish and/or grow your relationships.

LISTEN WITHOUT CONDEMNATION: Whenever you are engaging in a conversation, remember that the other person trusts you enough to share with you with no fear of judgement. Even if you don’t say anything that is viewed as judgmental during the conversation, guard your thoughts against judgement. Not doing so could impact your thoughts, feelings, or actions towards them later on.

AVOID CRAFTINESS: If you find yourself letting a conversation brew well before it actually takes place, where you craft the other person’s responses, you are unnecessarily tampering with your emotions. Avoid being emotionally disturbed and viewing the other person inappropriately because of comments you’ve developed in your own mind. Allow the other person to communicate with you in their own truth.

TALK WITHOUT COVETOUSNESS: It is not a comfortable feeling to genuinely engage in a conversation only to be met with words that are dripping with thirst. Refrain from abusing someone’s listening ear with words and thoughts that stem from longing and desiring what someone else has.

USE WORDS WITH NO COATING: At times, you may feel as if you cannot be completely truthful because you fear that you will hurt them. When this happens, you may find yourself sprinkling sugar over your words to avoid telling the whole truth.

Coating your words can be misleading for them and restricting for you. There is a way to use your words wisely, and still be completely truthful.

DODGE THE COPOUT: The copout is that opportune, yet evasive moment where you find yourself using phrases like whatever, that’s okay, or I don’t care. The irony is that it is not whatever, it is not okay, and you do care. We often find ourselves using these elementary colloquialisms, not because we don’t feel like talking at that particular time, but because we have not learned how to communicate beyond our feelings. Depending on the value of the relationship, you have three options: say nothing (some comments and behaviors don’t deserve your response), agree to talk at a better time, talk through whatever the problem is.

BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR WORDS: Being that opportunities wrapped in a particular set of circumstances do not present themselves more than once, you must choose your words wisely. Justifying what you say using, “I just have to speak my mind…” is acceptable only when you are choosing to allow your spirit to control your mind. Too often, when we “speak our mind”, we are really speaking from a place where we choose to allow our emotions to control our thoughts.

TAKE CONTROL: Taking control is not about dominating the conversation or dictating the other person’s thoughts or feelings. Honestly, that type of behavior and thinking typically yields an unfavorable outcome. Instead, being responsible and taking control of your thoughts, words, and actions places you in a much more effective position for communicating. Maintaining positivity while truthfully sharing what you think and feel will have a greater impact beyond the conversation.

PEOPLE DEC

TO WATCH 2019

ARY

GORDON

“

TIME IS OF THE

ESSENCE ARY GORDON Flora, MS Native and Jackson State University/Hinds Community Graduate. She is a proud mother who also teaches her children to never give up on their dreams and to never lose faith in God. Ary received her bachelor’s degree in Childcare and Family Education. She is also a personal trainer who helps encourage and motivate her clients to reach their weight loss goals.

Ary is the founder of the non- profit organization called “Speak Out”.

“Speak Out” is a nonprofit organization that will speak out and be the voice for those who are afraid to speak for themselves. Our purpose is to heal, educate and empower survivors of child sexual abuse or any type of issue someone is dealing with. We will provide counseling and prevention education services for those impacted by child sexual abuse. We will also empower those victimized by sexual abuse through a healing process and to prevent sexual abuse of children and youth.

“Speak Out” also provides a platform where you can share your story and not feel judged but be empowered.

DANIELLE BRYANT

“ REVEAL THE

LIGHT WITHIN DANIELLE BRYANT is a native of Jackson, MS, graduate of Jackson State University, owner of MOD3L3SQU3, LLC and devoted member of True Gospel International Church where she ministers through song on the praise team. Through the challenges and discomfort of adolescent and early adulthood bullying she later found the true reason she was able to endure through it all. Christ. Using the Word of God and her personal testimony, along with accumulated knowledge and experience in runway modeling, she provides modeling courses for teenage girls to help them identify what they were originally created to be, a light!

Her mantra “reveal the light within” reminds them that light has always been present even in dark times. And it is the dark times that allow them to shine the brightest. Her mission is to use her platform to do just that! Bringing awareness to bullying and self-esteem issues, Danielle provides an environment of transparency and freedom to communicate her authenticity and personal understanding of the very real damage that it can cause. At the end of each course she produces graduation fashion shows to celebrate the growth and healing of each model that completes it. Be on the look out for her!

She’s on her way to the top!

SHANDRA

THOMPSON

“

DEDICATED

TO HELPING YOU FIND

HOMES THAT MATCH

YOUR LIFE & STYLE! SHANDRA THOMPSON is a 5 year Realtor whose focus is to offer a superior level of service, innovative marketing and a personalized boutique-style experience to her clientele, always staying abreast of new legislation and trends that may effect the real estate marketplace.

Her clients can always expect discrete first class service, transparency, honesty & integrity.

When you choose Shandra to sell your home, you can trust that she will be dedicated to market your home properly to ensure that you get the price you want and deserve, while representing your best interests in viewings & negotiations. As your buying agent, her belief and commitment is to provide you with exceptional service above and beyond your expectations. Shandra is also dedicated to giving back to the community and supports a multitude of charities. She is a member of the National Association of Realtors, and also a past member of the Young Professionals Network, and the Credentials committee within the Central MS Association of Realtors.

Shandra, a native of Greenville MS, received her Bachelor’s Degree in English from Jackson State University, and her Master’s degree in Public Administration from Belhaven University.

Shandra is a member of the Mississippi Association of Governmental Purchasing and Procurement Agents, Central and National Association of Realtor Association, and Central MS Realtor’s Young Professionals network, Jackson-Hinds County JSU Alumni Association, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Shandra is a member of the Greater Pearlie Grove M.B. Church where she serves as a Nursery Volunteer, as well as a member of the Greeter’s ministry. Mrs. Thompson also serves her community by volunteering with the Stewpot Community Center and the Mississippi Families for Kids. Shandra is married to Fredrick Thompson and the mother of two wonderful children; Summer Grace and Fredrick, Jr. She models her life around her favorite scriptural passage; “You can be sure that wherever in the world the message is preached, what she has just done is going to be remembered and admired” Matthew 26:13 Shandra is dedicated to helping you find homes that match your Life & Style!

MELANIE SANDERS

“

THAT EXPERIENCE

MOTIVATED MELANIE TO REACH FOR THE STARS

Former American Idol and Miss Atlanta Melanie Sanders has created a company that blends her expertise in entertainment, sales, and public relations into one boutique firm that clientele have grown to love and trust.

As a teenager, Melanie appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show alongside her family in a segment entitled “Viewer’s Favorite Rooms”. Melanie’s mother, LuxeLife Firm VP and Interior Designer Deborah Sanders, was encouraged to submit their home to the show where weeks later Oprah personally picked the Sanders family to be featured.

That experience motivated Melanie to reach for the stars. Though her talent was different from her mother’s, she learned that merely ‘trying’ would be the only tool needed to begin working towards success. A few years later, it was Melanie’s singing talent that led her to soar through a successful run in pageantry, placing her runner-up in both the Miss America and Miss USA organizations; and later chosen as a finalist on Fox’s American Idol where she performed for millions and was invited to perform at the MGM Grande in Las Vegas. As time progressed, Melanie also toured with the nationally acclaimed Spelman Jazz Ensemble. In 2003, she graduated from Spelman College and continued to work in entertainment, later starring in two independent films.

Never to rest on her laurels, Melanie created LuxeLife, LLC (aka The LuxeLife Firm) after her reign as Miss Atlanta in 2005. She acted as a spokesperson and ambassador for the city of Atlanta and was recognized in proclamation by the Georgia State Senate for her work in the community.

"Melanie Sanders Day" was given in her honor. In addition to building LuxeLife, Melanie's presence in the community allowed her to work in an array of spokersperson and luxury sales positions, closing millions of dollars in sales and working with some of the countries most notable business pros and celebrities.

She became a well-known and respected personality in the Atlanta community and nationally. She took her business experience and people-skills behind the camera and began to utilize her marketing and imaging expertise. She worked as assistant and manager for NeNe Leakes of The Real Housewives of Atlanta; brand strategist and event director for several well-known NFL and NBA players; and was honored as a special guest of Atlantic Records for the opening of JayZ's Magna Carter tour in London, England. The LuxeLife Firm has acted as production manager for The Kings of the South concert tour featuring Rick Ross and has produced special events in London, England for the NBA Global Games. Though this is a mere glimpse of Ms. Sanders' experience and relevance in the business and entertainment world, it is evident that Melanie Sanders is no stranger to hard work, dedication and amazing luck in these everchanging, yet fabulous industries.

She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and is a member of various civic and community organizations and Boards. She is also a state Representative for the Publication Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM).

W W W . L U X E L I F E P R . C O M

“

I MOTIVATE. I EMPOWER. I INSPIRE.

SHEMEKA McNAIR

Widely known as a U. S. Army Combat veteran, McNair served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2002.

McNair has served as a community activist for local organizations focused on but not limited to— helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. As well as helping women and children in need in the Central Florida area. McNair had ultimately found her niche in the ever-so-competitive authorship industry when she witnessed the much-anticipated release of her first, second and third written work entitled, “Impatiently Waiting, Behind the Scenes of Success and On the Road to Recovery” SHEMEKA MCNAIR is the proud Founder of “Women of the Hour” organization — which has since been renamed “The Remnant Unveiled” — McNair has been able to extend a wide range of support and resources to men and women, particularly as it relates to self-development, relationships, marriage and family. A current resident of Orlando, McNair is the CEO of Judah Films and Coach MEI LLC.

W W W . S H E M E K A L M C N A I R . C O M

LADONNA MARIE

“

DISCOVER THE

CHAMPION IN YOU

AWARD WINNING AUTHOR|POET|LIFE COACH| SPEAKER LADONNA MARIE is an International Multi -Award winning Bestselling Inspirational Author, Mother of Two, Writer, Poet, and Motivational Speaker. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She has been Featured on NBC, FOX, and ABC. She published her first poem in an anthology: Whispers with The League of American Poets in 2007. In 2010 she self-published her first book Expressions of the Mind, Body & Soul. She received a Certificate of Congratulation from Congressman Bennie Thompson 2nd district of MS. She was inducted Who’s Who in Black Mississippi in 2012.

She featured in the International Sibella Poetry Magazine for the entire year of 2014, and also she is apart of the Anthology: The Gospel According to Poetry.

Until Tomorrow Comes was awarded Honorable Mention in the 2014 Paris Book Festival and a 2014 DJ Gatsby Book Club Literary Award Winner in Poetry. She was also a Finalist in 2015 Diva Author / Writer for Divas of Colour International Award. She was a 2015 Finalist for National Indie Excellence Awards, received Honorable Mention in New York Book Festival, Red city book awards Finalist and Bronze Medal Readers’ Favorite Winner. She also placed in 2015 and 2016 New England Book Festival Honorable Mention.

She is a two-time Indie Author Legacy Award Finalist for Poet of the Year. She was Awarded 2018 Author of the Year Divas of Year.

Awarded 2019 Mississippi Success Honoree.

W W W . L A D O N N A M A R I E . O R G

JOANNE BELL WRIGHT

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SOMETIMES GOD GIVES ME WORDS TO SHARE TO INSPIRE AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS Joanne Bell Wright was born and raised in Georgetown, MS in the Brushy Creek Community where her father and 2 of her sisters still reside. She is the founder of Woman To Woman With Joanne The Organization and Woman To Woman With Joanne The Magazine. With over a decade in corporate America, Joanne is currently a licensed Benefits Advisor for Cigna Medicare.

Joanne’s love of singing landed her a performance on the worldrenowned stage of the Apollo Theater in 1998. In 2012, she auditioned for Sunday’s Best, where she made it to the second round of auditions.

Today, Joanne is a member of the Worship Ministry at Pinelake Church Madison’s Campus. She has landed numerous acting roles in Soul Damage The Movie (coming soon), an extra in The Help, Girl Trip and the TV show Nashville, and continues to sing at weddings, events, and special occasions.

In addition, Joanne is an Inspirational Speaker, and author of her new book, “Fear Was My Friend.” She also loves sharing stories of triumph and victory in her magazine. Joanne’s greatest accomplishment is being a proud mother of 4 children: 2 girls, Antonetta and JaMya and 2 boys, Antonio and Joshua. She is proud to share that she has added 4 more to the pack, being married to Maximus Wright, she is a new mother to Jaime, Jeremiah, Zachariu Joanne loves her family and she is excited about life and where God is taking her and as He grows her, she knows that she will have much more to share.

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LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW

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SEVEN

CLEANSE HER. LISTEN TO HER.

Listening to your wife allows you to really understand her, and see her inner-most thoughts. You also see her needs. Being able to listen is one of the greatest gifts that you can give to your wife. When you listen, understand that she is not asking for your advice, she is simply looking for you to be open to her feelings and thoughts. Listening allows you to see what she is saying, how she is saying it, and most importantly, why she is saying it. By listening, you can discern whether your wife is seeking your advice or just in need of you helping her to find her own answer.

PAY ATTENTION TO HER.

The more you listen to your wife, the better you will get at paying attention to her. Paying attention allows you to learn major and minor details about your wife, such as knowing her favorite things, her love language, when to do things for her, and how to read her moods.

When you pay attention to your wife, you can tell when she wants to do something or have something, but denies it to accommodate you or a situation. Perhaps the greatest thing is being able to recognize who God is in your wife, the strengths and gifts that He’s placed in her. Paying attention allows you to love her the way she deserves to be loved.

APPRECIATE HER.

As a husband it should be a privilege to appreciate your wife every chance you get.

Appreciation shows her that all she does has value. Our wives do so much daily to make sure all our needs are met as well as running a household. Appreciate your wife by saying thank you every chance you get. Learn how to edify her at all times letting the world know that she is your gift from the Lord. Appreciate her time, her loving, her respect, her patients, her thoughts and her value to your life. This is an action that will always keep a smile on her face.

Cleansing your wife takes loving her mind, body and soul to a new level. As a husband we are taught to cleanse our wife by washing her with the word of God. As we listen and pay attention to her, please be aware that from day to day so much negativity, disappointments and past hurts fill her mind.

Sometimes it’s visible and sometimes suppressed. To cleanse her we must pray with and for her daily, speak positive things into her life daily, speak the word of God with her daily and patently help her to focus on the positive only each and every day. As you cater to her as the weaker vessel the stronger she will be.

BE A GENTLEMAN (CHIVALRY) WITH HER.

Being a gentleman shows your wife that you’re a chivalrous, courteous and an honorable man. Doing this consistently will give your wife the assurance that you love and honor her worth. Your wife deserves to have her doors opened, her chair pulled out, having her hand held in public and private, foot rubs and fixing her plate, just to name a few. Being a gentleman is one of the greatest ways to honor your wife, not only for what she does but ultimately for who she is to you.

As husbands let’s show our wives and the world that chivalry is alive and well.

SET GOALS THAT STRETCH HER.

Being the visionary of the home it is our job to set the bar high with everything that we do, including setting goals. The goals should include you and your wife at all times. Because we as husbands desire to see all God has instore for our wives, it is good to set all goals bigger than life. High goals are put into place so that we have to be stretched and grow to reach them.

As husbands stretching our wives shows her that we believe in her. Believing in our wives is one of the highest forms of love and appreciation.

PLACE HER AS YOUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD.

Yes, place her before parents, children, the household responsibilities, work-related duties, and all the other things that attempt to press their way in front

of your wife. Establishing and maintaining this priority is one way of fostering peace, better communication, and productivity within your home and relationship.

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SEVEN

LOVE GOD AND BUILD A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. This must be priority over all other things.

It is not possible to know God and not love Him, and it is impossible to love someone else and not love God. Establishing a loving relationship with God will properly equip you with the strength and wisdom to truly love your husband with an unconditional lovean Agape love. Furthermore, the love that you have for God allows you to accept His commands, and grow in understanding of His word. As your relationship with God grows, so will it with your husband as God shows you how to submit to your husband as unto Christ.

LOVE YOURSELF AND HAVE AN INCREASING DESIRE TO BETTER YOURSELF. The better woman that you become, his inspiration to be better is also increased. He sees you as a suitable helper, a true partner – one who completes him as opposed to competes with him. By focusing on positive change within yourself, your husband will view you as someone to be honored, instead of feeling like you’re trying to change him.

Also, it may be necessary to tell him that you are working to make yourself better, so that you can be a better help to him.

BELIEVE IN AND BUILD UP THE MAN THAT HE IS TO BE. It is vital that you always keep a positive image of who your husband is to be. This takes work on your part, but it’s worth it in the end. There will be moments where it’s easy to see your husband’s weaknesses or areas you feel he needs to grow in, but trust in God to mold and change him. Continue to build him up, encourage him, speak to and treat him like the man that he is to become. Also, be careful not to compare him to anyone else.

Ultimately, you want him to be his best self, who God designed him to be – which is more than what you may desire him to be within a moment.

LET YOUR THOUGHTS, WORDS, AND ACTIONS ALWAYS BE POSITIVE OF HIM. This requires self-discipline on many levels. It has often been said that when we do things, we do them three times: in our mind, in our words, and in our actions.

Often, there is much emphasis on guarding what we say or do, because those are external things that others can see. However, our thoughts are internal which only God can see. Don’t allow negative thoughts to build up against what you know is true about your husband – that he is your good and perfect gift from the Lord, and that he is fearfully and wonderfully made. Through prayer, fasting, meditation, and God’s word, tear down the strongholds that have built themselves up in regard to your husband so that your words and actions may always be positive both publicly and privately.

HONOR HIM AS THE PRIEST, PROVIDER, AND PROTECTOR OF YOUR HOME. To do so requires trust and faith in God at an optimum level. Perhaps this is the area where submission is exercised the most, because it requires a great deal of sacrifice. As the priest of the home, your husband must be respected as the mediator between God and the family. Respect your husband as the one who provides the vision and goals for your family – not just a provider of resources. Understand that God will provide your husband with the vision. Your work is found in his vision.

This is not to disregard your goals and dreams. When you sacrifice your personal ambitions, you’ll understand that God has made provisions for your gifts to be used and desires fulfilled in the work that He has given your husband. As the protector of your home, your husband’s fortification addresses anything that may infringe upon the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of your family. If you feel or see that these components are not present in your husband, pray that God develops these things in him.

PRAY FOR HIM. Be attentive to your husband’s needs, desires, strengths, and weaknesses in a way that you can prayerfully ask God to address. When you do so, you allow God to use all of His resources to touch the areas of your husband that you’re praying for. Have peace in knowing that you have no power to change anything about your husband, but God gives you the power and authority to pray for him and help him through God’s strength.

PLACE HIM AS YOUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD. Yes, place him before the children, the household chores, work-related duties, and all the other things that attempt to press their way in front of your husband. Establishing and maintaining this priority is one way of fostering peace, better communication, and productivity within your home and relationship.

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