Modern Miracles Magazine Fall Issue

A Faith-Based Lifestyle Publication

Summer /Fall 2024

Modern Miracles

Transforming Pain to Purpose

With Ethel M. Gardner Founder | The Kennedy Austin Foundation

The Modern Miracles Woman is...

Cutting Edge · Fresh · Futuristic · Leading-Edge · Modernistic · Extraordinary

F I N E J E W E L R Y SINCE 1953

BAYSIDE CENTER 1028 BAYSIDE DR. NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660 TEL 949 760-3094 | WWW.CKFJ.COM

Departments

In Sync: Beauty, Health & Wellness | Women, Life & Faith | Q&A Sessions | Personal Wellbeing/Family & Relationships

CONTENTS 14

HEALTH & WELLNESS Tired of Chronic Pain?

Medical Experts Offer 3 Helpful Tips

Provided by Brandpoint Content

16

HEALTH & WELLNESS

A Personal Journey: Detecting, Managing and Overcoming Rheumatoid Arthritis

By Mildred Velazquez

20

WOMEN INITIATIVES

Effective Communities for Women: A Look Into Initiatives to Support Personal and Spiritual Growth

By Yvette Paez

24

BEAUTY, HEALTH & WELLNESS Not Getting Results from Your Vitamin C Serum?

Here are 4 Reasons Why

Provided by Brandpoint Content

MASTHEAD & CONTACT INFO A Faith-Based Lifestyle Publication

Founder & Publisher Yvette Paez Chief Operating Officer Mildred Velazquez Editor Yvette Paez Director of Business Affairs Pedro Paez Branding Manager | Events Speaker Daisy Paez Advertising & Creative Services Modern Miracles Enterprises, LLC Cover Design Modern Miracles Enterprises, LLC Special Contributors Brandpoint Content Photography Golib Tolibov Steven Williams Javier Wirestock

Modern Miracles Magazine is a publication centered on contemporary faith-based articles from a broad range of diverse women's perspectives and topics. Our content also covers subject matters which promote a more balanced life.

Mailing Address 777 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Suite. 200-198 Palm Springs, CA 92262 Advertising, Editorial, General Inquiries (760) 260-8414 Send questions, reprint permission, and other inquiries to: info@modernmiraclesllc.com.

Copyright @ 2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any form without prior permission is prohibited.

MODERN MIRACLES MAGAZINE is published by Modern Miracles Enterprises LLC.

Modern Miracles Magazine Summer | Fall 2024

MODERN MIRACLES NOW OFFERING BUSINESS SERVICES

EDITOR NOTES

By Yvette Paez

Dear Readers, In this issue, we touch on diverse topics of interest — ranging from health, wellness, skincare to Q&A interviews and an in-depth overview of a non-profit organization.

So, when you have someone like Ethel Gardner featured on the cover of a magazine, the word miracle will come up a lot in conversation. Hence, because of the name of our publication, her life story and experiences have become synonymous with our description on Page 2 on the characteristics of a Modern Miracles Woman.

Over the years, Ms. Gardner has garnered a great deal of recognition as she developed into her role as CEO and President of The Kennedy Austin Foundation.

To me, the most fascinating part of the storyline is that I have never met her in person — not yet. I actually had her business card and decided to give her a call and see what we can do together. Since then, we have enjoyed numerous conversations about the goodness of God, her books and

some of the events in her life which led her to start a non-profit on her own.

Ethel Gardner’s cover story, business article and personal interview includes authentic narratives on who she is, what she has done with her life over the years and how she continues to help countless families and women with her story of transforming pain to purpose.

This special issue would not be possible had I not taken a leap of faith by calling someone I had never met and introducing myself to inquire on how I could use my platform to tell her story.

With that said, the articles in this edition were written specifically to inform, educate and inspire our readership in the areas of personal and spiritual growth.

By the way, Ms. Gardner and I do plan on meeting in person and working on future creative projects. I truly look forward to this meeting in the near future.

Subscribe To Our Business & Education Source

Pay it Forward - Help Us Keep This Legacy Going In the Tri-City Community of Pomona, Claremont and La Verne, CA

Serving as a Crisis Intervention Center

www.kennedyaustinfoundation.org

Featured Articles

26

An Interview with Book Author - Ethel M. Gardner

28

Read Excerpt from Power to Pause: Still Waiting to Live in a World Full of Possibilities

32

The Making and Legacy of the Kennedy Austin Foundation

Health & Wellness

Tired of Chronic Pain? Medical Experts Offer 3 Helpful Tips If you're coping with back, neck or knee pain on a regular basis, you're not alone. According to research, one in every two Americans experience musculoskeletal (MSK) pain, which affects the bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles and nerves. The 2024 State of MSK survey of 10,000 Americans with chronic and acute pain conducted by Hinge Health shows that pain is too big a problem to ignore.

Nearly half the survey respondents say chronic pain prevents them from living life to the fullest (47%), while 27% report MSK pain has decreased their productivity at work, and 22% agree it has made them consider leaving their job.

Beyond physical symptoms, chronic pain is also associated with poor mental health. About one-third of survey respondents report feeling depressed, and nearly half report anxiety.

"We live in a nation in pain," said Dr. Jeff Krauss, MD, chief medical officer at Hinge Health. "And many are not accessing what doctors consider the first-line treatment for MSK pain: physical therapy, education and lifestyle change."

The survey found people with chronic pain are more likely to seek over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, despite the fact that 47% of people who do not feel in control of their pain fear side effects or complications from those treatment methods.

In some cases, the real or imagined cost of physical therapy, plus the ability to make in-person appointments, can be barriers.

Fortunately, digital PT has helped overcome one barrier. In the survey, 48% of people say a digital physical therapy program would make it easier to follow their care plan, and 43% say they "need" PT care with a digital component. Digital PT stands out as the preferred initial approach for chronic MSK pain, with a 70% satisfaction rate among members.

Here is some advice from physical therapists at Hinge Health for coping with MSK pain, including moving around safely for pain management, increasing motion and boosting sleep. Note: This information is for educational purposes only, and you should always consult your healthcare provider for your unique situation.

1. Keep Moving When experiencing pain, it's natural to want to stop moving, hoping that rest will make the pain stop. Unfortunately, staying still can lead to a downward cycle - with pain increasing and mobility decreasing.

Movement is medicine," said Dr. Krauss, "and many kinds of pain worsen if you rest too much. Staying active can help you work through joint stiffness and help muscles gain strength over time, which can improve your symptoms.

If your pain is due to an accident or physical trauma, or if you're concerned about increasing pain as you move, see your healthcare provider. Ask about in-person or digital PT options for guidance on how to move safely as part of your pain management plan.

2. Move and Stretch Gently Motion can help relieve stiffness and reduce pain over time, with physical therapists recommending an approach to movement that gradually increases your strength and range of motion.

Back pain: Stretching is helpful, but avoid awkward twisting, bending or motions that lead to over-tensing back muscles.

Neck pain/stiffness: Take breaks from holding one position too long, such as sitting at your computer. Set a timer to occasionally adjust your position, gently stretch your neck or roll your shoulders.

Knee pain: Strengthen muscles that protect your knee, especially your quads (the front of your thighs), with exercises like stepping up to and down from a low platform.

A physical therapist can help you learn specific exercises and stretches to support areas of your body causing you chronic pain. Beyond reducing pain, PT can also help treat other conditions, such as strengthening the pelvic floor to address bladder issues.

3. Boost Sleep Pain makes it hard to get a restful night's sleep, and poor sleep can increase sensitivity to pain - leading to another downward spiral. The survey found over half of people (53%) who have experienced pain in the past 12 months say it affects their sleep, and 26% have been diagnosed with a sleep disorder. Here are tips to try: Change your pillow: To improve sleep, especially with neck pain, swap out your pillow. Your ideal pillow depends on the issues you're having and your preferred sleep position.

Try different kinds for several nights to find what works for you.

Practice good sleep hygiene: Keep your room cool and dark, and make sure to go to sleep and wake at the same time each day.

Relaxation techniques: Meditation, breathing exercises or warm baths can help you relax before bedtime.

"Making an effort to improve your sleep is an important step in treating pain," said Dr. Krauss. "While there are many easy and effective ways to do this on your own, sometimes it's necessary to work with a professional who can offer proven techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for insomnia."

Learn more about digital physical therapy at HingeHealth.com.

Article Provided by BrandPoint Content

15 Modern Miracles | Summer/Fall 2024

Health & Wellness

A Personal Journey: Detecting, Managing and Overcoming Rheumatoid Arthritis

By Mildred Velazquez

When it comes to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), positive choices to reverse this condition can be made whether it is turning to healthier lifestyles such as clean eating and including more leafy greens. What you eat can determine a favorable outcome -- even well into your 70’s. Whether you become a vegan, vegetarian, or introduce juicing into your daily regimen, one can begin to eliminate foods that can cause outbreaks.

Remember, the option is yours and the decision to live in good health are right at your fingertips.

For me, living with these physical symptoms, it was important that I learn as much as I could about this disease. Nevertheless, I took it upon myself to connect with valuable resources, information and practices conducive to good health.

Discover, Plan and Make Changes Make up your mind now to include an active lifestyle with goals set out to exceed your expectations. Knowing where you stand - health wise - is an essential part of the process on staying physically fit.

For instance, one can begin by eating foods that contain: Plenty of fruits Vegetables Protein, preferably lean, low in fat (such as beans, fish, nuts, poultry, and whole grains) Hydration is key Rheumatoid Diagnosis and Journey Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis which proved to be a game changer for me. RA is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the normal body tissues. This disease affects multiple areas in the body, especially the joints, which are the tissues that protect and hold the bones together. Sharing my autoimmune journey has led me to where I am today whereas I can now share these diverse platforms of knowledge with those who may be experiencing symptoms or have been recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Here are some vital links on RA: https://autoimmunefamilies.com/the-diet-matrix/ https://www.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2017/08/whatdoes-clean-eating-mean-anyway https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physicalactivity/dietary-guidelines/previous-dietaryguidelines/2015#figure-3-2-desc-toggle https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/heartdisease-rheumatoid-arthritis.

Also, did you know that women are more prone to developing autoimmune diseases than men?

The facts are overwhelming. The autoimmune conditions are alarming which describe the onset of this disease. However, I am here to tell you that you are not alone. There are many RA communities out there that are ready, willing and able to help.

Furthermore, when RA causes extensive damage throughout the body, it is highly recommended to consult a rheumatologist. In my case, the rheumatologist concluded that this disease began wreaking havoc in my early twenties based on the symptoms, joint damage, and Vectra score. By July 2014, the disease had progressed significantly. Since autoimmune diseases like RA can be hard to diagnose in the early stages, I had to undergo numerous tests. At the time, the cardiologist had a hunch and performed the necessary blood work, which tested positive for this diagnosis. The inflammatory markers were severe, which revealed an advanced positive result.

Ongoing Symptoms and Signs It's important to note that RA can impact multiple organs. The onset of this autoimmune disease may involve the following: - Elevated white blood cell count (WBC) - Inflammation of the heart (revealed through stress test) - Swelling/Joint damage/Pain - Reduced mobility/cartilage damage in multiple joints At this point, an overwhelming awareness that something was extremely wrong became quite evident. I visited several physicians, however the primary doctor could not identify the cause of the intense joint pain and severe inflammation affecting multiple sites.

17 Modern Miracles | Summer/Fall 2024

Health & Wellness The Rheumatoid Factor (RF): Elements of Blood Work

RA Solutions

The Rheumatoid Factor (RF) can have a positive RF factor. RF tests measure the amount of rheumatoid factor in your blood, which are the proteins found in your immune system that attack the health tissues in your body. However, a person can have an ordinary diagnosis despite active inflammation in terms of joint disorder. The physician usually asks pertinent questions regarding your symptoms.

The dietary components involve realistic goals and steps to take control over this progressive disease in stabilizing RA. Is it possible to turn RA around with food? The answer is yes, you can eat your way out of the symptoms. The links provided below contain invaluable information about what one should eat:

Here are some of the blood tests to detect any autoimmune diseases:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mediterr anean-diet-meal-plan#what-is-it https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mediterr anean-diet-meal-plan#menu-and-recipes https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-toreduce-inflammation-in-the-gut-8387529 https://www.arthritis.org/liveyes/podcast/ nutrition

▪ Antinuclear antibody test (ANA) ▪ Blood work from C Reactive Protein (CRP) suggests elevated inflammation if higher than the normal value <0.5 mg/dl.

▪ Complete Blood Count (CBC) ▪ Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) ▪ A Vectra test is recommended for patient assessment which helps with the treatment plan ▪ The specific blood markers such as inflammation is usually an indicator that an autoimmune disease is present. A Vectra test is recommended to determine the score and helps predict future joint damage.

Medications The links below contain a list of medications for RA. In fact, I tried all of them without success. Almost two years ago, after an appointment with the rheumatologist, he prescribed Cimzia as a last resort, and guess what? Cimzia worked. https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoidarthritis/cure-treatment-research- update#latestresearch https://rapatients.unitedrheumatology.com/ra-and-nutrition Heart Healthy and RA Ensuring a healthy heart through regular checkups is a start towards avoiding cardiovascular surprises, which include: Diabetes High blood pressure High cholesterol Limit intake of saturated fat The infographic links below report that people who have RA, are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease: https://awareness.creakyjoints.org/ra-heart-health/ https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/heartdisease-rheumatoid-arthritis https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eatsmart/fats/saturated-fats

18 Modern Miracles | Summer/Fall 2024

In closing, the RA journey is a huge undertaking that requires you to check your symptoms regularly before there are complications with your organs or even life-threatening issues.

Stress can also be the culprit that involves cortisol levels. Targeting the affected organ may save you time and money.

After 12 surgeries, I was able to access where the problem lies in order to take preventative measures. In summary, my goals in the area healing include diet, exercise, staying calm, and seeking help whenever necessary.

Helpful RA Communities & Links: YouTube – CreakyJoints https://autoimmune.org/advocacy/ https://www.arthritis.org/liveyes/podcast https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles https://precisionandpersonalizedmedicine.crea kyjoints.org/ Online Articles Your Guide to Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in Females Six Facts About Autoimmune Conditions Health Execs Should Know Websites: https://www.managedhealthcareexecutive.com https://www.healthline.com

Su p

Become a Modern Miracles Partner

n tio

r Organ u O iza rt o p

Women Initiatives

Effective Communities For Women: A Look Into Initiatives to Support Personal and Spiritual Growth (Earlier versions of these articles appeared in past issues of Modern Miracles Magazine and have been slightly modified)

Our organization has created a Faith and Spirituality Initiative (F&S) for women as a platform to reflect, meditate and live a more balanced life.

It is intended to provide content and sources related to spiritual and personal growth. The mission of F&S is two-fold in that it aims to keep women of faith encouraged while also reaching underprivileged women and those that would not otherwise be inclined to connect with our faithbased materials.

There are so many women living through grief, loneliness, anger or other forms of emotional and physical pain. Ultimately, there should be plans of action put in motion that always aspire to positively influence lives by making a real difference within this specific female community.

In the same way, it is crucial that likeminded organizations such as churches and other specialized ministries focus on building strong women’s initiatives as a tool to provide emotional support.

Today, as we encounter so many urgent world issues such as climate changes, health crisis, and other humanitarian emergencies, the demand continues to grow for settings which promote hope and cultivate relationships. Let’s face it, no one wishes to exist day to day with a life void of social activities and personal associations. Equally important is the need to address a woman’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Through a collection of links, data and articles, we take a look through a gendered perspective on this critical component and how it can be factored into the everyday lives of women.

It also reveals to those in ministry leadership positions to identify with these groups which are overlooked and which may result in individual needs not being met. Thereby, working towards assessing the effectiveness of current programs and resources set in place in order to further support the women in their congregation.

Unfortunately, many churches today still lack proper systems and resources to assist those dealing with urgent life issues such as suicidal thoughts and with individuals leaving prior associations with LGBQTIA+ communities because these are considered forbidden subject matters.

According to data findings conducted at a small church in North Dallas, the key themes women were concerned about related to “trust,” “confidentiality,” “consistency,” “unity,” and “safety,” which are essential to women having a proficient women’s ministry. The women also expressed interest in performing outreaching activities to meet other women.”1 Hence, these 5 main topics and a desire to partake in charitable services help to prepare the church leadership with important information necessary by creating a successful women’s program.

When relating to women, “…based on conversation and observation, is that these women have experienced horrible traumas consisting of abuse, rape, molestation, divorce, separation, and other forms of violence.”3 Furthermore, most female congregations consist of many subgroups of women which have different needs.

Based on further research with the North Dallas ministry, “the researcher concluded that age demographics and marital status provided insight into how the respondents navigated through their experiences of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual changes.”2 Among some of the survey responses, many respondents felt that the development of a ministry for women would definitely contribute to mental and spiritual soundness. Several women also gave feedback on how including a professional counselor would assist them greatly in dealing with negative issues.

For instance, an older widowed woman with adult children has different needs than that of a newly married one with no children. In like manner, common goals and interests should be present as a connection and motivating force for everyone involved.

The following links are associated with topics related to faith and spirituality. Some of the articles demonstrate individuals from all walks of life and how when connecting with certain beliefs, most are able to preserve their mental wellness as well as guide them into sound decisions they make along the way. Through prayer, others are able to find solace during sickness and as they approach the end of their lives.

21 Modern Miracles | Summer/Fall 2024

Women Initiatives

Forming Alliances Interestingly enough is that strategic alliances between licensed professionals such as psychologists and the healthcare industry is of crucial importance in filling in the gaps in areas that the administration of a church organization and ordained ministers may not be adequately equipped or qualified to handle.

Specifically in such cases as mental sickness and other mental disorders.

Additionally, the importance of religious organizations extending faithbased initiatives to the surrounding communities gives hope to local residents while also assisting with the plight of existing social problems.

The State of Philadelphia developed a Faith and Spiritual Affairs program (FSA) which “…utilizes the public health approach to educate communities of faith with evidence-based trainings, workshops, and conferences with a focus on educating communities of faith on signs and symptoms of behavioral health issues along with local behavioral health resources and programs.4 Consequently, as faith-based organizations continue to grow in membership, further assessments can be made how to use their presence and influence to integrate and advance more diverse initiatives.

22 Modern Miracles | Summer/Fall 2024

In summary, the central focus should be on how to form successful strategic alliances with both community-based initiatives and other religious societies.

Models of Effective Initiatives Using FBO’s Some model examples for a highly- successful initiative is an effective partnership which can be created between various institutions and faith-based organizations (FBOs). To begin with, in Geneva, Switzerland the release of a collaborative publication between 5 FBOs took place back in 2019.

Ms Maria-Cristina Rendón, Program Assistant in Women in Church and Society on behalf of the Lutheran World Federation asserts, “The contribution of faith-based organizations is of utmost relevance particularly in contexts where religion is misused to discriminate, violate or undermine women’s rights.”

The book entitled, Affirming Women's Human Rights: Resources for Faith-Based Organizations is a resource guide for FBOs and includes a variety of subject matters advocating gender justice.

Furthermore, working alongside FBOs is vital when assisting women and their families with maternal and reproductive health services.

Unfortunately, the socioeconomic status of diverse women can profoundly affect prenatal development in that they lack the financial resources to obtain the best possible care.

Women Initiatives

In researching faith-based pregnancy centers, Church and Society works closely with United Methodist Church to provide various resources and grants which range from civil human rights, economic justice and health and wholeness just to name a few.

In what particular way is your ministry engaging with the women in your local church for a more personalized and fulfilling experience?

Other matters to consider is that most faith- based communities consist of a diversified congregation in terms of culture, nationality, and language.

Although most assume that church is a stellar environment for diversity, it may be more difficult to implement. So how does one create a warm-hearted and welcoming institution for women of all ethnic backgrounds? What if more ministries implemented business-oriented small groups for women? What about a group that teaches young female members on financial literacy?

Links & Resources: Faith and Spirituality Topics https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1305900/ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/reaching-faithful https://www.twc.texas.gov/files/partners/engagingpartnering-faith- based-organizations-toolkit.pdf

As we have seen through some of these examples, these projects can take a variety of forms — from an educational and business-minded perspective to health and wellness.

Equally important is the participation of women in the planning and implementation process of these initiatives while addressing the challenges related to funding, feasibility, and capacity.

Likewise, incorporating ongoing evaluations and monitoring of results of such initiatives over time is also critical for ensuring their long-term success.

Send us your personal stories of successful women’s incentives, and program descriptions to info@modernmiraclesllc.com.

Article Sources: 1) Dennis J McCullough, Church Revitalization through Effective Women’s Ministry, https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/ viewcontent.cgi? article=3505&context=doctoral, March 20, 2020.

2) Ibid., 74.

3 Ibid.,13.

4 NEW: Faith and Mental Health Toolkit, Faith and Spiritual Affairs (Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services), accessed March 14, 2022, https://dbhids.org/FSA. Helpful Links, Information & Resources Faith-based Facilitation Tools: https://www.salvationarmy.org/fbf/biblestudy.

Round Table Book Launch: https://www.lutheranworld.org/events/round- tablebook-launch-affirming-womens-human- rights-resourcesfaith-based-organizations Affirming Women's Human Rights: Resources for FaithBased Organizations:" https://www.lutheranworld.org/sites/default/files/2019/ documents/dtpw-wicas- women_advocacy_2019-en.pdf

23 Modern Miracles | Summer/Fall 2024

Health, Beauty & Skincare

NOT GETTING RESULTS FROM YOUR VITAMIN C SERUM? HERE ARE 4 REASONS WHY One of the most praised skincare ingredients on social media is Vitamin C, with influencers and dermatologists alike touting its benefits of brightening the skin, adding luminosity and even diminishing the signs of aging.

Even with these great benefits, Vitamin C serums are NOT created equal. You might find yourself not getting the results you want or feeling uncertain with what, if anything, it does for your skin. If this sounds familiar, you may have chosen the wrong brand. Here are some common mistakes people make when choosing a Vitamin C serum:

Is the hype real?

The answer: Yes, but it's a bit more complicated than that. Vitamin C can indeed do all of these things, and more, for your skin. But because Vitamin C is an unstable molecule, it can break down easily. How it's formulated and packaged really matters in terms of its efficacy. Not all brands get it right.

"Using a Vitamin C serum consistently not only helps protect and repair damage from UV and environmental stressors, but it can also lighten, brighten and diminish the signs of aging," says Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, BoardCertified Dermatologist. "But it's important for consumers to do their homework and invest in products with stabilized formulations and optimal packaging to deliver the best results."

The market is flooded with Vitamin C serums from many brands. How can you make sure you're choosing the right one? Here's what you need to know.

Vitamin C serums are concentrated skincare treatments that use a powerful antioxidant to revitalize, brighten and tighten the skin. The top benefits of using a Vitamin C serum include the following: Luminosity. Vitamin C helps produce a brighter and more even skin tone, giving you a radiant, luminous glow.

Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It helps stimulate collagen production, which increases skin's firmness and elasticity.

Brightens dark spots. Can help fade dark spots because it inhibits an enzyme that causes discoloration.

Antioxidant protection. Helps protect your skin from free radicals that come from environmental aggressors, which cause premature aging. That's why it's best to use it in the morning. The protection lasts all day long.

Choosing a little-known brand. Yes, you'll find many brands out there on social media, touted by influencers and celebrities. But choosing a respected, trusted brand matters. For example, RoC Skincare, an esteemed brand developed directly with dermatologists, has a Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Vitamin C Serum, which is the result of years of research and clinical testing. It combines a patent-pending blend of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, the most stable and effective form of Vitamin C, with Peptides to help nourish and calm skin. This powerful combination produced incredible results in clinical trials - 94% of users reported instant luminosity and improved elasticity, and within 4 weeks, 100% reported brighter, tighter skin and reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

Not looking at the packaging. Because Vitamin C can degrade, opaque packaging keeps it stable and effective longer. If you choose a brand with a glass bottle - if you can see the serum in the jar, in other words - that serum may lose its efficacy before you use the last dose in the bottle. It'll do little for you that plain water can't.

Too highly concentrated formulation. Some Vitamin C products contain acids that can irritate the skin and cause redness. Look for a brand that contains a more gentle formulation, like RoC's patent-pending blend.

Too expensive. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on a serum. More expensive doesn't mean better. Instead of looking for a high price tag and thinking that might mean it's a better product, look at clinical results. That should be your benchmark. RoC's serum is affordable and one of the most effective on the market today.

Bottom line, when choosing a Vitamin C serum, choose one from a company you trust that offers clinical results and is dermatologist-recommended. Brighter, more luminous skin awaits!

Find RoC's Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum for under $30 at Target.

25 Modern Miracles | Summer/Fall 2024

Q & A Session

An Interview with Book Author - Ethel M. Gardner What prompted you to write your recent book, The Power to Pause?

What prompted me to write the book was that I had come to the end of myself and my life had come to a complete pause. I had done so much for so long for so many people that I was depleted, drained, empty and when I would go to prayer, my prayers were identical to what I was experiencing in the natural emptiness. So then, all I could do was cry and so The Power of Pause came as a result of me coming to the end of myself and to a complete stop. I had to review and reset my life from going forward and not backward.

What exactly does the book title signify for you personally?

What would you like to accomplish with this particular book?

My goal for this recent release is to see women accomplish whatever it is that their hands and hearts are made to do. In essence, take the soil of your life, plant seeds and manifest the harvest. I would like to see women that are struggling everyday - struggling with being accepted, being heard, being alone to know that they are enough. Also, that they are aware that their true self does not come from without, it comes from within.

Lastly, I would like to see women tap into the supernatural within their spirit and give themselves permission to breathe, live, grow and to move life forward. This book is about moving your life forward and not looking back.

What other books have you written and where can our readers learn more.

The title signifies exactly what I was dealing with and what it meant to me - close your eyes, center your soul and approve of what you are writing before you send it out to the world. The cover of the book looked just like my younger self.

Do you have a vision for women reading your book?

Find your purpose and get in it. Find your vision. What is your vision? Pause, review and reset. Rid yourself of things in life that don’t matter and that don’t concern you. They are not talking about you. The Power of Pause is to review life in the future and not in the past and move life forward.

My first book is called A Mother’s Cry: Can Good Come From A Broken Heart after the loss of my only son. I wrote this book from the fragmented pieces of my soul because I didn’t think that I was going to live to tell my story. So I wrote it for my daughters and for my family to read exactly what I was going through -A Mother’s Cry, Can Good Come From A Broken Heart.

My second book is called The Makings of You: Ingredience For A Great Recipe. You see I was born and raised without a mother, a grandmother or any female influence in my life and we never had anyone to give us a recipe or hand us down anything. My books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Thrifty Books and through a book company called XLibris. The Power of Pause is on TBN.

27 Modern Miracles | Summer/Fall 2024

READ EXCERPT FROM POWER TO PAUSE: STILL WAITING TO LIVE IN A WORLD FULL OF POSSIBILITIES

By Ethel M. Gardner

Transforming Pain to Purpose

(Excerpt from Power to Pause, Chapter 7 entitled Seed and Soil. Permission to reprint authorized by Author, Ethel M. Gardner)

Yesterday I had an opportunity to speak at an event.

And as some of you may know, I started a foundation called the Kennedy Austin Foundation in May, 1993, many years ago, after the loss of my seventeen-year-old son. The Kennedy Austin Foundation has a mental health component, which deals with domestic violence (survivors) for women, anger management, knowing your triggers, parenting, grief and loss for parents who lost children, and creating space for a beautiful youth ministry for childhood trauma and adversity for children who have gone through trauma in their lives.

And so I was out speaking the other day, and I remember a lady coming up to me and saying to me, “How did you get here?” You see, sometimes people want to see what they wanna see. And I tell people all the time, “You cannot see my scars because they’re covered up with the clothes that I wear on my back, but they are there.” This young lady and I were talking; I told her “What’s your trauma? What’s your adversity? What are your fears?” And she said, “I don’t want to talk about that because it’s too painful.” And I think that is what the soil and the seed are all about, covering up our pain and not being honest and open to expose the trauma and be free.

You know, that I have learned and seen most of the true trauma that we face in our children and youth’s lives start in Daddy’s house; it’s a learned behavior that they saw and also experienced. They take this sort of behavior to the streets, it doesn’t start in the streets - it’s in the house. WTW (write the wrongs).

Journaling workshop is to help deal with the truths of life and to tell their story in the first person.

She made the decision not to speak with me. Why? Because she wanted me to help place more BandAids on her scar, and I wanted her to be free. She walked away and didn’t look back. You know, this happens all the time.

So as you can see, everything that I have gone through in life -- I took it and put it together like a beautiful tapestry. I call God the frugal gourmet, and God is using it to heal His people and communities that really need to know that they’re not alone. So I go out and speak. When I’m invited to share my story, our foundation has very good resoures, annual toy drives, Thanksgiving turkey drives, and the Annual Courage Awards Luncheon, our beautiful year-end volunteer luncheon. We give out food; we give out clothing; we give out shoes. We give out blankets; we give out everything fresh and new and, most importantly, prayer and the Word of God.

Sometimes we let what has gotten in our lives, and we stay there way too long. If it’s hurt, if it’s domestic violence, if its anger. if its the loss of a child, a painful divorce, sickness in your body, mental health issues, childhood trauma, the list goes on and on, and what if you are the one who has been the perpetrator?

Where and who do you talk to? All of our sins have been forgiven -- all of them. Lay them at the feet of our heavenly Father and live free.

I remember always saying in my younger life I would never become like my parents. Looking back in hindsight, I realize there are a lot of similiarities in place in my life even now -- not all these are bad; some we need to move us into a good, loving place and not blame anyone.

29 Modern Miracles | Summer/Fall 2024

Women, Life & Faith

Sometimes those seeds grow into a full manifestation, and we eat of its fruit. And that is what’s making a lot of us very sick, physically, mentally and psychologically ill.

I was able to sit with her and talk to her about a lot of the things that I had gone through and the reason that I had started this ministry called the Kennedy Austin Foundation.

If I were able to talk to her, I would tell her some really hard truths about how I actually started this ministry and the real realities behind it all. I was not healed when I got on this journey; a lof of healing came as a result of reaching out to people. We were able to heal together.

It wasn’t a foundation that I wanted to have. It was a foundation that was given to me because I wanted to reach out. To people, to women, single women, single heads of household, women who have lost children. I don’t think people realize the devastation and the hurt that you go through when life is in reverse (when our children die before us). It’s a pain in your heart that only God can heal, and sometimes it will take a lifetime to deal with that pain.

As I went out speaking to people, I used to always talk about the trauma, and I would never give people a way out. Why? Because of the seed that has gotten into the soil of my life. I only spoke about the hurt, the pain, and what happened to me. I only spoke about the pain. I wanted to be a woman of courage. But deep down inside, I still had so many fears. So many things that I just could not break through.

30 Modern Miracles | Summer/Fall 2024

And when I sat down and talked to people, I said to them, “I would be a mentor to you if you allowed me to. But the only way that we can have a relationship is if we speak God’s Word and truth. And if you’re ready for that. Then I could possibly help you.” You see, a lot of us have been through so much in our lives that we rarely speak of it. But it comes out in so many different ways.

It comes out in anger; it comes out in frustration. It comes out in all of the habits, the addictions, all the things that we do and say, not being able to communicate, not being able to have a really good friend that we could literally talk to and rely on. Be honest and open and tell the truth and rid yourself of some of those seeds that have gotten into your soil.

So today I wanna ask you, “What has gotten into your soil that has made you rage and you disconnected yourself from reality” So angry that you don’t want to talk about anything anymore but the pain you know?”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ms. Gardner began journaling her thoughts and emotions during the time of her son’s death. She attended support groups which brought her no comfort. She started her own group in March 1993, called A Mother’s Cry. She began to conduct meetings at coffee shops in Pomona, CA. Her meetings continued when a tiny office space opened up where women, men and families attended to get help.

In July 1995, A Mother’s Group became The Kennedy Austin Development Center and in March 1998, Ms. Gardner changed the name to the Kennedy Austin Foundation, a non- profit 501(c) 3 Family Crisis Intervention Center serving underprivileged families in crisis.

Please note that our magazine will only make grammatical corrections to any previously published works if we find that it affects the grammatical accuracy of our standards of any published information contained in each issue. Any changes will not be made without a formal notice issued to the author.

THE LADIES CLUB

Women’s Organization | Events | Networking

The Making and Legacy of The Kennedy Austin Foundation

30 Years of Family Crisis Impact & Still Growing Strong: This non-profit organization was birthed from a tragic event in the life of Ethel M. Gardner when her 17 year old son, Damon J. Jones, was killed in a car accident in 1992. Over the years, the Kennedy Austin Foundation has assisted over 10,000 families with the tri-city communities of California’s food bank distributions. They also host several annual events.

ABOUT THE FOUNDER Ethel Gardner has come from the most humble beginnings and has endured many tragedies. The second daughter of ten children, growing up without a mother, a grandmother, or a female mentor, had a significant impact on the life she would live. Being subjected to imprisonment and domestic violence, at the hand of her children's father, created an opportunity for her to not just survive, but thrive. Through the help of a female friend, she found the courage to change her circumstances and pursue her destiny. She knew her calling was for a greater purpose and it would only be realized if she persevered and stepped out on faith. During her journey of freedom and discovery, tragedy once again, disrupted her newfound peace.

One sad day, she received a call that no mother ever wants to receive, the news that her teenage son had been killed in an automobile accident. Up to this point, tragedy had a way of interfering with life, but this time, the pain endured was unexplained, grossly unbearable and completely life altering. How would she ever get beyond the pain? With help from God, the support of her daughters and ultimately the birth of her granddaughter, Kennedy Austin, life after loss became the objective. Ethel decided to empower herself by using her experiences and lessons learned to support others dealing with grief after loss. On March 13, 1993, she envisioned a family crisis intervention center and soon thereafter, she established the Kennedy Austin Foundation, a nonprofit organization aimed at providing education, physical support and resources to women and families whose lives have been impacted by the loss of a child or domestic violence. Ms. Gardner has made it her mission to educate, equip and empower women and show them that they too have the means to turn tragedy into triumph. www.kennedyaustinfoundation.org

32 Modern Miracles | Summer/Fall 2024

Overview of The Kennedy Austin Foundation www.kennedyaustinfoundation.org

INTERVENTION CENTER

PROVIDES COUNSELING

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

COMMUNITY OUTREACH MAKING DONATIONS FOOD DRIVE

ADULT PROGRAMS: ANGER MANAGEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS

OFFERS WORKSHOPS

GRIEF COUNSELING FOR PARENTS DEALING WITH LOSS OF CHLDREN

OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUNTEERS TO CONTRIBUTE

33 Modern Miracles | Summer/Fall 2024

FRESH START

NEW BEGINNING CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Where All Things Are Made New

Sunday Services Begin @ 9:30 AM Prayer Begins @ 8:45 AM Online Bible Study Tuesdays @ 7 PM Prayer Begins @ 6:00 PM

214 West 97th St New York, NY 10025

Pastor

Terry & First Lady Lynda Starks \

www.fsnbcc.org

Connect With Our Faith & Spirituality Initiative for Women

New YouTube Channel

The Modern Miracles Experience

Coming Soon...

SUBSCRIBE

Relationships

Winston’s Jewelers Since 1969

1775 Newport Blvd. Suite B Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949 645-9000