T H E H O L I DAY I S S U E
IT'S THAT TIME
BY KADESHA JENKINS
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
AARON & QUIANNA EASON
HIS REFLEC TION, HIS LOVE
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E D I T O R T H E F RO M L E T T E R
Dear Readers, This Holiday Issue holds an incredibly special place in my heart for various profound reasons, and I feel compelled to share the transparent journey that brought it to fruition. There was a point when the prospect of this issue materializing seemed uncertain, and I grappled with doubt. It felt as if everything was going awry, and obstacles loomed at every turn, creating an overwhelming sense of disarray. Faced with this adversity, I made a deliberate decision to pause, seeking guidance from the living God. I posed straightforward questions: "What's happening? What are you trying to tell me?" His response was swift and illuminating. The clarity came in the form of a directive to shift my approach, aligning the magazine with His divine plan rather than persisting in running it solely by my design. "You're trying to run this magazine your way, but it belongs to me. Stop seeking advice from others and trust me" resonated as a profound revelation. It marked a pivotal moment of realization—embrace obedience, trust in God's vision, and have unwavering faith in Him. This issue now stands as a testament to a miraculous turnaround, a symphony conducted not by human hands but by God. The unfolding of events, the alignment of elements, and the lessons harvested during this season of growth are treasures beyond measure. Gratitude wells within me for the invaluable lesson learned and the transformative trajectory God is charting for Mind Blowing Magazine. This issue is undoubtedly a miraculous gift from God! A heartfelt thank you extends to our cover star, Crystal Renee Hayslett, whose presence not only graces the pages but radiates love and joy, embodying a purpose harmoniously aligned with God's calling. We look forward to witnessing God's promises for her life. Crystal
Renee’s breathtaking cover imagery tells a beautiful and expressive story through her personality. Thank you Crystal for this unforgettable gift to the MB Mag team. We are forever grateful! Special recognition goes to our Let Your Light Shine features Aaron and Quianna Eason for sharing a love story anchored in keeping God at the core of your relationship. The God's Favor segment takes a distinctive turn in this issue, featuring Samantha Thomas, offering a beacon of hope for personal and professional aspirations through the lens of God's favor. For those navigating sadness and sorrow this holiday season, I implore you to delve into Kadesha Jenkin's devotional prayer, a comforting embrace that reinforces the unwavering nature of God's unconditional love and promises. It's a heartwarming reunion! I'm genuinely honored to welcome back our cherished MB Mag Family & Team – Robin V., Joyce Sheffield, Denise Griffin, and Quianna Eason. Your gifts and talents enrich us, and your 'Yeses' are so appreciated. To all our contributors and features, your encouragement and transparency is invaluable. My gratitude knows no bounds. Seasons may come and go, but trusting God through it brings clarity to our purpose. Amidst it all, Jesus remains the reason for the season. God bless and happy holidays!
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“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” –James 1:2-3 NIV
Stacy Sorrell-Moore Stacy Sorrell-Moore, Editor in Chief
the
Lord's Prayer
Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
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Stacey reminds herself that a difficult day doesn't equate to a bad life.
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until she received a cochlear implant in 2013. Chekesha reached her breaking point when the DEA suspected her of running a prescription drug ring due to the high volume of pills appearing in pharmacy databases statewide. Weighing 97 pounds and on the verge of death, 13 years ago, she made a life-altering decision to surrender to God, unleashing transformative changes in her life. Surrender holds immense power. Chekesha Kay' Ellis’s story reveals the harsh reality of prescription opioid addiction, highlighting the destructive cycle it creates in people's lives. It serves as a cautionary tale about the opioid crisis, the importance of harm reduction, prescription monitoring, early intervention, education, and accessible resources for those suffering with substance use disorder. Chekesha conquered her addiction and is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, author, and youth mentor. She was featured in an ABC documentary and recently did a TEDX talk. She offers hope to those struggling with addiction, demonstrating that it is very possible to break free from addiction and that there are many pathways to recovery. In conclusion, Chekesha draws strength from Psalm 34:1, "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips." With a heartfelt dedication to her late father, Pastor George L. Brookins Sr., who deeply impacted her path to recovery. Connect with CHEKESHA KAY ELLIS IG: @chekeshaellis Photography by STEPHEN ROBINSON
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If it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
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HIS REFLECTION, HIS
LOVE In Conversation with
Crystal Reneé Hayslett Reflections by Toni E. Emehel
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“Nope. I know He's got me.”
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the
Prayer of salvation
Lord, I admit I am a sinner. I need and want Your forgiveness. I accept Your death as the penalty for my sin, and recognize that Your mercy and grace is a gift You offer to me because of Your great love, not based on anything I have done. Cleanse me and make me Your child. By faith I receive You into my heart as the Son of God and as Savior and Lord of my life. From now on, help me live for You, with You in control.
In Your precious name, Amen "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9) .
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