LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS ISSUE
Dr. Medina PULLINGS HELPS US ASCEND JASMINE “RAZOR CHIC” COLLINS A GREAT WORK
Tichina Arnold & Alijah A MOTHER’S LOVE
PASTOR KEION & SHAUNIE
WHISPERS heart
of the
Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. M AT T H E W 6 : 9 - 1 3
MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 8
editoR’S LETTER
What a miraculous gift to witness God’s love! And that’s exactly what you’ll do once you dive into the pages of our Love & Relationships issue. God knows exactly what we need as well as when and how we need it. His timing is perfect. I was reminded of this truth as I was reading our cover feature describing the beautiful love story of Pastor Keion Henderson and Shaunie O’Neal. The love they share feels so gentle, patient, and predestined. Every heartwarming word they spoke about one another moved me to tears. I thank God for them both and I am extremely grateful to have witnessed such a testimony. Everything belongs to God because God made everything. —John 1:1-3 This Scripture says it all: everything we have belongs to God. Our spouses, children, loved ones, etc., are all gifts from God and exemplify His love for us. I was so inspired by the interview between mother and daughter, Tichina Arnold and Alijah Kai Haggins. Their very special bond is heaven sent and a true testament of God’s unconditional love. The saying “like mother, like daughter” is an understatement when it comes to these two. The more and more I learned about their unique relationship, the more inspired I became. I am so amazed by the similarities between this mother and daughter; their personalities, talents, and posture are almost identical. How amazing is this, a beautiful example of God’s love! His love is so intentional! I can’t wait for you to read every enlightening story. The breathtaking images will definitely grab your attention. I’m so thankful for very gifted contributors and writers as well; their hearts are displayed with every page turn. I pray you are blessed and encouraged as you take in the message of love that God has allowed us to prepare for you.
“
Everything belongs to God because God made everything. - john 1:1-3
Stacy xo ,
STACY SORRELL-MOORE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 9
Along ride from
EMPTY APRIL DANIELS & THE GIRLFRIEND’S CORNER
by APRIL DANIELS photography by ROBIN V. styling by JOYCE SHEFFIELD
MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 12
MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 13
“I do believe music is healing,” she continues, “so I was able to share my story with him [Kirk Franklin] back in May of 2018, and that was one of the best days of my life … It was a blessing to finally share with him what his music has meant to me. And he gave me some great advice that will forever stick with me.” Gabrielle says she doesn’t just know that God can perform miracles, still today and still tomorrow. But that He has performed them in her … frequently. “It’s been a joyous experience to see God do so many miracles,” she continues. “I even had eardrum surgery recently — my eardrum had completely collapsed. And the Lord did a miracle. He said healing would take a year and it only took eight months.” In May 2017, she was also diagnosed with a Rathke cleft cyst, a rare kind of benign tumor, she explains. “Because of its location, it’s messed up my vision.” Then in 2019 she was diagnosed with hearing loss and now wears a hearing aid. Both these events “have been two of the hardest tests for me,” she says. “I’ve been through so much,” she admits. “So, I had to experience faith and really get to know Jesus for myself.” In her early years, Gabrielle explains that she found encouragement in a diverse range of places. When she was introduced to the movie Forrest Gump, she said, “I would watch it every day … I was so inspired by how he ran out of his braces” and just kept running and running, “and I told myself, that’s going to be me one day.” Her family also “means everything to me,” she smiles.
“My family shows me unconditional love every day. Although I have a disability, they don’t treat me any different, and they motivate and push me to live life and make an effort to fulfill all my dreams.” Gabrielle’s face lights up when she talks about her older brother. “He’s been a huge inspiration in my life,” she shares. “I admire him so much. Throughout our childhood and even now, he has never been ashamed of me. He is very compassionate, not only of me, but of others. He taught me independence and how to step into my purpose.” Gabrielle has indeed had a strong support system, a wonderful family and close friendships, including “my older brother who is my best friend,” she says. Yet, she MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 18
deeply painful times, and along the way, has developed an acute understanding of how it feels to have a marked disability, especially out in public and among her peers. Not only has Gabrielle seen God work miraculously through the obstacles in her young life, but along the way, He has also guided her to help change the lives of others, with many facing some of the same battles and circumstances she herself has faced. Now living in the Ft. Worth, Texas, area for the past 11 years, Gabrielle explains, “I work for an organization called To Be Like Me,” which has been “an amazing journey … We help to empower people who have disabilities by providing employment and a platform to share our stories and advocate for others. Knowing I’ve touched someone’s life and made a difference makes my heart happy,” she smiles. “I also work for The Potter’s House IDD Outreach,” she says. (IDD stands for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.) “I’m happy to be part of a community that really wants to see people with disabilities thrive and become who God created us to be. Dr. Demetrice Smith [the IDD program director] is beautiful inside and out. As my mentor, she keeps me focused and demonstrates what it takes to be productive and successful. I’m blessed and grateful for her support and kindness.” By helping to advocate for people with disabilities in these two venues, Gabrielle comments how she can “relate to them, having people stare at them, or being turned down for a job because of their disability. I want them to know they have support … and the same opportunities as [others]. I always give them examples of the friends I have, telling them they treat me normally. We go places and they genuinely care about me. I want them to know I am their voice and stand with them throughout all their challenges. If we all join together, we can make a difference in the world.” At her church, Gabrielle is also part of the vibrant young adult ministry called Younger Generation Church. “I serve with the media team,” she explains, “and occasionally I preach when asked. I’ve made some great friends, and it feels good to be welcomed into a church that accepts my disability with no judgment. Pastor Allan and his wife, Deirdre, have made me feel so welcome.” Gabrielle challenges those in her path to take one of her favorite verses, Romans 8:28, to heart. “No matter what purpose you have in life, fulfill it,” Gabrielle asserts. “God could give you a purpose to do makeup for people, hair, designer clothes … like for me, it was my story.I had a whole different
different plan for my life, but God had a better one, and it’s been very fulfilling. I love doing what I do,” she continues, “talking about Jesus, trying to get the young people saved — it’s all a joyous occasion for me. So, I want you to sit down with God, study Scripture, pray with Him, ask Him what your purpose in life is, and fulfill it. Because we all have a purpose here; that’s the reason we are here on earth. I pray that this encourages you and you go out and fulfill your purpose, no matter how hard it is, and if you don’t understand it, ask the Holy Spirit to help guide you.” For most of her life, the Holy Spirit has been guiding Gabrielle in an array of areas, including pursuing her talents in acting. “Ever since I was in my first school play in fourth grade,” she shares, “being in front of a live audience felt good.” She is now enrolled in acting classes, which she said, “has inspired me to really go after what I want and believe in myself even more.” When her acting coach challenged her to share her dream in front of the class, she realized that “by doing so, I was taking a step to achieve my dream.” “I do believe you can find joy through circumstances by just having faith and not doubt,” Gabrielle counsels. “I do know for a fact that God can do miracles. God can change everything around for the better. It’s all by your faith of a mustard seed. I believe all things are possible through Him, and I do know He can heal you through everything you’re going through. He can bless you, even when you feel like the blessing is taking forever, it’s not; it’s just around the corner. “You just have to have faith through all of it and have joy no matter what,” she shares. “Even if tomorrow you might feel depressed, you read that Scripture, and listen to that Gospel music, and it will get you through. You’ll see … it wasn’t as hard as you thought.” In closing, she says, “And I hope this has inspired you as much as it’s inspired me.” Sitting in her chair, her big smile radiating into our hearts, we, too, feel changed. We look up, noticing tears in our eyes, and we thank God for His joy, igniting our faith inside.
Hello Grace. It feels like forever, I thought my chance with you was gone … Never knew your touch was endless, how you never run dry of forgiveness. Didn’t know how bad it was, was afraid just because. Sorry fear, grace took your place. -KIRK FRANKLIN “Hello Fear”
And with all thanks to God, that’s a miracle as well; Christ not only miraculously saves us through our faith in Him but also
provides miracles along the way to ensure our faith keeps growing, keeps blooming. Miracle upon miracle, Gabrielle spurs us on. We are so thankful for your story, Gabrielle. You do inspire us, perhaps as no one else can. Wow, everyone, look at our amazing God.
MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 19
PASTOR KEION & SHAUNIE
WHISPERS of the
MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 20
heart
MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 21
ALOVE
NONTRADITIONAL
Have you ever wondered what motivates an onlooker or bystanders to act on behalf of a person in danger while putting themselves at risk? Are they moved by the instantaneous weight of responsibility that others are watching? Or are they greeted with the idea of long-term remorse, should they choose to remain uninvolved? Or is it the great compassion that grips them all at once? Perhaps it’s because we were all wired this way — to react to the impulse of altruism. Perhaps it’s because Christ first loved us, and our initial reflex is akin to His very nature. “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Society’s depiction of love is described not only as a feeling, but also as an ordinary experience that we’re all capable of having. It’s deemed to be cherished when found, but not valued for simply existing. It’s romanticized greatly when found between lovers, but honored less when it’s the foundation of covenant found in friendship. The truth is, love is a supernatural experience and the embodiment of Jesus Christ.
Love is universal and thus meant to MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 50
by TARI COX, M.A
be a caveat for Jesus being accessible to all. And while there are many types, there’s a form of love that discounts personal gain, embraces pain, and remains steadfast at all costs, known as agape love. Agape love denies the moral right to request an exchange, to receive anything in return, for love that’s freely given. It’s selfless. It’s daring. It’s devoted.
And it chooses to remain defenseless when reality comes with a craving for entitlement. It opts to become undignified when seeking to honor others, no matter the circumstances. It is this form of love that was always meant to change the world. Agape love is what we are to imitate as the beloved of the Holy One. “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2). To be an imitator is to emulate the behavior or actions of another. This charges us to reflect the love of Jesus with all. It is necessary to explore this form of love because it is the highest standard man can reference to fulfill the Great Commission. Yet, it is the most relatable form of love as a choice and not an obligation, due to the One who displayed it first. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:2). Jesus knew this wouldn’t be easy. He knew it would come with suffering.
He knew mercy, compassion, and
MIND, BODY, & SPIRIT
grace would be necessary to extend and receive this love. But Jesus is the only One who will never ask us to do something that He did not exude, fulfill, or display in the limitations of His humanity.
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7-8). Agape love is meant to challenge you. Correct you. Edify you. Teach you. Train you. Assist you. And grow you.
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” - EPHESIANS 5:1-2 MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 51
JASMINE “Razor Chic” COLLINS
a GREAT Work by Denise Griffin
MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 60
FEARFULLY & WONDERFULLY MADE He that has begun a great work in you is faithful to perform it. God is faithful to perform it. I’ve been told these words in church since I was a child. Of all the people I’ve encountered who grew up in church or were forced to go with their family, I haven’t yet had a person tell me they understood all the Scriptures and sermons being preached. However, that certainly doesn’t mean that the Word and the words that went forth weren’t impressed upon their heart. This is surely the case for Jasmine Collins, also known as the Razor Chic within the beauty industry. Those who know Jasmine, or know of her, would all say the same thing … “That girl can do some hair.” She began building her business before she knew there was a business inside her. How familiar is that sentiment? All of us are gifted from birth, but very few of us tap into those gifts early. Others are operating in their gifts and don’t even know it ... while others have a light that shines within them that not even they can see. It’s so obvious to those who’ve been blessed to be in her presence that Jasmine has that light. She is an individual full of light, but it took years before she actually harnessed the God-given gifts Hidden gems always lie in small towns. It was apparent during our conversation that, though this woman has accomplished stellar success, she’s a small-town girl at heart … just lovin’ on folks wherever she goes. “I originally come from a town in Georgia called Statesboro, but I moved to Atlanta almost 30 years ago,” Jasmine says. Isn’t that the case for everyone who feels like they want more than what the small town has to offer them? But one thing the small town has that the big city will never give you, at least not immediately, is a sense of community. In a community, everyone knows everyone. More importantly, everyone looks out for everyone for the most part. Upon her relocation, Jasmine soon learned city folk ain’t country folk. But before we get to the big city, you gotta understand how it all started. Jasmine recalled, “I’ve been an entrepreneur all my life. I was working at McDonald’s in high school and hair just called me. I didn’t necessarily have an interest in doing hair. It kind of just happened.” After working at McDonald’s for two months, Jasmine decided to try a popular style, at that time, on her aunt. Just like most celebrated hairstylists, her skills were perfected on family and friends. “I remember my auntie relaxing her hair. She had some gel and she asked me to gel her hair down. So I said, ‘Let me just see if I can wave it around.’ I got the comb and the gel and I started maneuvering it.” She did it! Jasmine created her first set of finger waves. “Of course, it didn’t look like my waves I do today, but it had potential, and it intrigued me to want to learn more, do it more, and get better. So I kept doing it. I kept practicing on her, on my other family members, and even on my friends here and there. From there, I started doing hair, and I remember my clientele growing so big,” Jasmine says. She was making more money doing hair in her grandmother’s house than she was at McDonald’s. So, McDonald’s got a pink slip and she continued to make her coins at home. After leaving McDonald’s, Jasmine turned her grandmother’s house into her salon. “I remember her getting very frustrated because I had people all over her house,” Jasmine giggled while reflecting on that time. Jasmine’s clientele exploded in Statesboro. Everyone knew who she was. “I believe when you’re good at what you do, you’re always going to be in high demand to serve people,” she shares. All the hard work, giving cards out, and building an undeniable set of skills, Jasmine was serious about saving her money to get out of that small town, saying, “I just knew that God had a better plan for my life.” This is definitely not a dig on small towns. Clearly, that small town produced this successful woman.
With $15,000 saved, Jasmine set out for Atlanta to expand her name and bring her skills to the big city. To most of Atlanta, she looked like the little country girl coming to the big city. And the big city quickly got the best of her. “I came to Atlanta during Freaknik times, and I partied and partied. In Atlanta, there’s something to do every night and every day. I literally came here and just partied all the time. I ran
He that has begun a great work in you is faithful to perform it. God is faithful to perform it. - PHILIPPIANS 1:6
MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 61
DIY
Easy
VASE I
with TAMARA BRADSHAW
love creating simple, affordable DIYs. DIYs that anyone can do! Here is a quick and easy one. A gorgeous Glam Vase.
What you will need: 4 vases from Dollar Tree Bead garland from Dollar Tree Spray paint color of your choice (I used Rustoleum metallic gold) Hot glue gun Fresh or faux roses
Start by attaching vases. You don’t need glue for this; just put one in the next, and so on. They will stick together. Next, take the vases outside to spray paint. The key to a beautiful and even, non drip spray paint job is to keep your hand moving while spray painting. You will want to do about three coats. Let the paint dry a few minutes in between each coat. After the final coat, let the paint dry for two to three hours minimum. After your vases are completely dry, you are going to use a hot glue gun to adhere the bead garland around the rim. You can add as much beading as you want! I looped and glued mine several times for a full beading look. I told you this one was easy … you are pretty much done! Now you style the vases with gorgeous roses. They can be real or faux. I used faux ones from Dollar Tree. I love how it looks with the beading left as is. The red stands out and is so pretty. But I also wanted to show you how it looks when you spray the beading gold. It blends in so lovely with the vase. It gives it a gorgeous glam look! I styled my vase on my console table in my living room. But you can style it anywhere. Your coffee table, dining table, kitchen countertop, bedroom nightstand, bathroom, etc. You can use your imagination and a few dollars to make great decor for your home. This vase cost under $10 to make. I encourage everyone to give it a try. It’s also a stress reliever for me. Try it this weekend! Invite some friends over, or include your kids for a fun DIY adventure. MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 68
3.
STYLE & GRACE
1.
2.
TIP: PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR HOT GLUE GUN IS FULLY HEATED BEFORE USING. IF NOT, IT WON’T ADHERE TO THE BEADING CORRECTLY.
4. MINDBLOWING MAGAZINE | 69