YOUR STORY IS YOUR SUPERPOWER PDWMAG.COM
SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US VISIT PDWMAG.COM
Publisher Kimi Johnson
Cover Design Graphic Designer: Brittany Rockwell Photographer: Damon Gordon
Contributors
Dr. Teresa Slade Kiawana Leaf Nicole S. Mason, Esquire Tarnya Coley Pavielle Bookman Teraleen Campbell Carleeka K. Basnight-Menendez Danyelle Scroggins Rhoda Whitfield Christina Malloy
Cover Features Carla R. Cannon Anna Nyakana
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Purpose Driven Women Magazine is the woman's guide to connecting to and thriving in their purpose. We are a bi-monthly digital faith based magazine designed to provide inspiration for women on their purpose journey.
OUR MISSION Imagine a world where every woman knew exactly why they were created. Despite their economical background, past failures, trials, or tribulations they believed they were more than enough to thrive as the person God created them to be with ease and flow. Our Vision is to create an international publication that creates unification and connection amongst women from different walks of life, giving them an opportunity to uplift each other by sharing stories, resources, products, and expertise.
Share My Story Features Kathy Lofton Mayren Corpuz
Purpose Driven Women Magazine is a publication of PurposePals, LLC. The information in this publication is presented in good faith. The publisher does not guarantee accuracy or assume responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright 2021 © PurposePals, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or in whole, without expressed written consent of the Publisher is prohibited.
4 PDWMAG.COM January 2021
OUR VISION Purpose Driven Women Magazine’s Mission is to inspire and encourage women to discover and surrender to the plan God has for their life. We give everyday women a voice and platform by means of testimonials, interviews, training, resources, and informative articles to share stories of how their faith helped them to overcome hardship. EBSITE: pdwag.com
CONTACT INFORMATION PDWMAG.COM EMAIL: HELLO@pdwmag.com
Table of Content COVER FEATURE
Carla R. Cannon Wealth & Prosperity 22
GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH WEALTH
24
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT BEGINS WITH SELF REFLECTION
Love & Relationship
Birthing Purpose
12
27
DON’T FORGET THE BASICS
28
JUST SIMPLY SAYING: FIGHT FOR YOUR MARRIAGE
30 SHARE MY STORY: I FOUND GOD, I FOUND LOVE, I FOUND YOU
ON THE COVER
Spiritual Inspiration 19 20
HEALING THE SOUL
21
CHALLENGING TRANSITION
FROM BUCKLING UNDER PRESSURE TO BREAKING THROUGH TO GOD’S PROMISES
Anna Nyakana
40
Wealth & Prosperity
22
Love & Relationship
26
Poetic Purpose 31
KNOW
Beauty & Wellness
50
Health & Fitness 33
MENOPAUSE WON’T LAST FOREVER
Family 36
A FATHER’S VICARIOUS TEACHINGS TO HIS DAUGHTER
Beauty & Wellness 41
6 PDWMAG.COM January 2021
REST IS A WEAPON
From My Heart to Yours
Hello 2021!
We made it! Despite the numerous challenges 2020 presented, we made it through! Being purpose-driven requires determination! Nothing can stand in the way of a determined mind. Paired with faith, it is the strength we need to overcome any obstacle that comes our way. Luke 21:19 tells us to “Stand firm, and you will win life!” Our cover girl Carla R. Cannon knows what that means. Faced with mental and physical abuse, labels, and devastation Carla knows first hand what it’s like to push through life’s disappointments and birth purpose. Affectionately known as the “Trailblazer,” she is living her best life as the owner and operator of a multi-faceted enterprise that consists of Cannon Coaching & Consulting, Cannon Publishing, Trailblazers University, and Women of Standard Network. Like most success stories, her victories did not happen overnight. But despite the hardships, she kept pushing through. In her interview she shares her inspiring story. This issue also highlights Anna Nyakana, an Award-Winning and Bestselling Author, Motivational Speaker, and Business Owner of Niyah Zuri Books and Niyah Zuri Studios. Anna shares why it was important for her to change the narrative of children’s books and how this desire led her to write her best selling children’s book, “Niyah Zuri and The Pharaoh’s Throne.” In addition to our cover features, we also share the compelling stories of Mayren C. Corpuz and Kathy Lofton accompanied by page after page of heartfelt articles from our amazing team of contributing writers. Needless to say, the heartfelt work that goes into each issue is to share stories that demonstrate the resilience of women, who even in the face of opposition, are passionate about living out their purpose. Simply put, we strive to be the fuel that inspires you on your purpose journey. The content in this issue is no different. I invite you to get comfy, grab your favorite drink, and dive in because it’s going to be good! As always, thank you for reading. Kimi Johnson Publisher January January 2021 2021 PDWMAG.COM PDWMAG.COM 11 January 2021 PDWMAG.COM 77
Kathy O. Lofton is a writer, photographer, and indie filmmaker. To-date, her film works have screened at festivals in Nashville, Los Angeles, Atlanta, the UK, India, Germany and Memphis, TN, which she calls home. She freelances under her small business, Lofton Media and has been awarded category winner at three film festivals. kathyolofton.com
Dr. Teresa Slade is an ordained Pastor at Potter’s House Ministry alongside her husband Apostle Alzo Slade, Sr. She has been active in ministry for over thirty years which includes conducting women’s conferences, leadership training and marriage seminars. She is the founder of Women to Women Ministries and a mentor to many women. facebook.com/drtwtw
Rhoda Whitfield is a columnist for “Just Simply Saying” where she gives raw and relevant straightforward marital advice to help couples cultivate a successful and loving marriage. She is a co-author of the book A Well-rounded Love Affair “More than Between the Sheets,” with her husband Danny Whitfield. After the death of her son, she was driven to write “Where Did You Go?” to assist children that are having a difficult time with the loss of a loved one. dannyandrhodawhitfield.com/
8 PDWMAG.COM January 2021
Nicole S. Mason, Esquire is an attorney, mentor, international best-selling author, speaker, and Success Coach. She is the recipient of the 2018 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading Award, 2019 Faith Based Speaker of the Year Award and the 2019 ACHI Woman of the Year Award. nicolesmason.com
Pavielle Bookman is the host of The Purpose Collective podcast where she dives into mistakes made on the journey to discover purpose, dating with a purpose, and how to overcome roadblocks like fear, imposter syndrome and focus. She is a native of Jacksonville, Florida and a practicing attorney.
Kiawana Leaf is a God-made entrepreneur, author, actress, and inspirational speaker, Kiawana aspires to inspire and empower women who are survivors of domestic abuse, both men and women masking their truth, oblivious to childhood trauma, and the brokenhearted through her first business venture, Empower Too Inspire LLC®.
empowertooinspire.org
thepurposecollective.co
Christina Malloy is an author from Fayetteville, North Carolina. Writing letters and poetry helps her release the stress in her life. She is currently working on her upcoming poetry book “Can You Hear Me?” which is a compilation of love letters to God and prayers to help her make it through. christinamalloy@yahoo.com
January 2021 PDWMAG.COM 9
Carleeka Basnight-Menendez is an author, award winning life coach, and a prolific speaker with global appeal. She is the creator of the F-IT Method, The A.V.E., and Menopause and Mimosas. Through these platforms she offers new and aspiring Christian female entrepreneurs, the skillsets needed to increase visibility, earn a solid income, and impact the world from the dimension of their purpose. carleeka.com
Teraleen R. Campbell resides in the DC metropolitan area. Teraleen is a minister, speaker, author, and coach. She released her first book, From Carefree to Caregiver in the Fall of 2018. Her most recent release, Embracing Your New Normal was released in April 2020. Teraleen has also co-authored four books. teraleenrcampbell.com
Tarnya is a Les Brown motivational speaker. She is regarded as a respected and influential speaker. She has over 17 years’ experience speaking on many platforms. She is a selfpublished author. Her bestselling book Open Doors is rated ‘an inspirational book’ by many readers. Tarnya is also a personal development coach who specializes in helping her clients make their goals become a reality. ibelieveican.co.uk
10 PDWMAG.COM January 2021
Danyelle Scroggins MRE is the pastor of New Vessels Ministries in Shreveport, Louisiana and is the writer of both Christian fiction and non-fiction books. Find out more about Danyelle Scroggins, MRE at danyellescroggins.com.
Letter From The Editor
I want to start by saying thank you to Kimi Johnson and the Purpose Driven Women Magazine staff for allowing me to take part in this journey, along with our audience, and trusting me to be a part of this family. I see big doors opening for each one of us this year. While each New Year brings a time of reflection of the year that has passed and anticipation of the year to come, 2020 was a year no one will ever forget. I believe it has shown us that we must trust God more than ever before. Celebrate because you made it out of 2020. I see God pushing people into their purpose in 2021. If 2020 taught you anything at all, I hope it directed you to know your purpose, pursue your purpose, and to walk in your purpose. This magazine is here to uplift and give you hope for your future. I pray that as each woman reads the pages of each issue this year that you become inspired, encouraged, excited, and motivated about life, love, family, business, and your faith. Thank you for trusting us to bring you that empowerment. “Expect It, Believe It, Receive It.� Carmelita Mcroy Editor-In-Chief hello@pdwmag.com
January 2021 PDWMAG.COM 11
Photographer: Damon Gordon
Cover Feature
Carla R. Cannon: Birthing Purpose Carlacannon.com carla@womenofstandard.org Follow Carla on Social Media @carlarcannon
As
I logged into the Zoom appointment for a highly anticipated interview with Carla R. Cannon, affectionately known as the Trailblazer, I was embraced with vivacious energy, confident style, and a smile that immediately assured me I was in for a special treat. The chemistry was high, and sisterhood was in the air.
From a little girl who was labeled everything but a child of God to an anointed minister and the owner of a multifaceted enterprise, Carla's success required the tenacity of a strong mind and a determined soul. Her toxic and painful childhood included physical and mental abuse, being labeled as Behaviorally Emotionally Handicapped & ADHD, teenage pregnancy, promiscuity, and memories of repeated devastation. None of which defined who she would become. She has evolved to be an Activator, Cultivator, Catalyst, Trailblazer, and 9X National Best-selling author and entrepreneur whose mission is to unlock, unleash and activate women into their purpose from the pulpit to the marketplace! Now, this amazingly resilient woman of God talks about her past with rejection and abandonment and how she uses these experiences to help coach women in similar situations to overcome barriers and restraints that prohibit them from living life authentically and unapologetically. Cont’d on next page
January 2021 PDWMAG.COM 13
Kimi: How did you overcome your childhood experience to recognize your worth and birth your purpose? Carla: Joyce Myer is my spiritual mentor. I have never met her personally, but I have been to several of her events. I was first introduced to her at the age of 17. I remember scrolling through television one day, and I came across her. Her teaching was so practical. I grew up in the holiness church. It was tough because there was a bunch of rules and regulations. Joyce Myer puts the Word of God in practical form. Then she takes you to scripture to show you what she is saying. She also shares her personal story. So when I heard her story of being sexually assaulted and abused by her father for years, and her mom knew about it, it correlated with my story. My stepfather physically abused me in front of my mom. My mom didn't have a voice. She didn't fight for me. So that built-up resentment, abandonment, and rejection. I had anger towards my mother, but Joyce Myer's story offered a sense of relief. Joyce Myer's story ignited a passion and courage within me. It made me imagine what would happen if I shared my story and what that would do for other people. So I began to tap into purpose and transform my painful childhood into power by being transparent. I started telling people, I've been through X, Y, and Z. I've done X, Y, and Z, but I had to take responsibility for my part and the things that I could control. We give our power away when we want to blame people. I could blame my mom. I could blame my stepdad, I could blame my dad, but I realized those were just seasons of my life. And none of them were considered losses, only lessons. And that helped shaped me into the woman that I am today. So, it all started with Joyce Meyer, and that led me to begin sharing my story. Kimi: You realized those times in your life weren't losses; they were lessons. That’s a powerful statement. There was a time in your life that you felt too dirty for God to use you. Tell me about that. Carla: I grew up feeling unlovable and like I didn’t fit in. I had to come to an understanding that God loved me before I put on my hair extensions, before I put on my makeup, my glasses; in raw form, He loves me dirty and all. When I began to study God's Word, I learned my faith is the foundation of all of it. My relationship with God is what led to six-figure businesses and impacting lives. Grasping that God loves me and how much he loves me was a defining moment for me. I grew up as a kid feeling like I had to perform. If I was good, I got a treat. If I was bad, I got punished. So I was always wondering if I was good enough. I took that
14 PDWMAG.COM January 2021
whole performance relationship into my relationship with God. But then I learned I don't have to perform. I can do nothing, whether good or bad, that could cause God to love me any more or any less. When it came to birthing my purpose, it had a lot to do with discovering God’s unconditional love for me. The enemy did not want me to recognize who I was in Christ. He didn't want me to understand the true power that I had. That's how Luke 10:19 became my favorite scripture. God says, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” So I was like, Oh God, I'm stronger and more powerful than anything I could ever fight against. Oh, got it. That's when I began to understand my purpose. I understood God was more concerned about doing a work in me than doing a work through me. A lot of times we want God to do a work through us. We want Him to use us to teach and prophecy and do all these things. But He is more concerned about doing work in us. The genesis of my purpose was understanding God's love for me and that He's not like people where they would love me today if I'm good and then tomorrow reject me. God is the same today, tomorrow, and forevermore. I learned I could just be my goofy, quirky, clumsy self with Him and never be judged. Kimi: There is nothing like God’s unconditional love. Many Christian entrepreneurs struggle with the idea of profiting from their gifts. How do you incorporate your spiritual gifts into your business? Carla: I consider myself a kingdom entrepreneur. I talk about this in my book, The Entrepreneur Blueprint. A kingdom entrepreneur is one who has fully submitted and committed both their natural and supernatural gifts for the advancement of the kingdom of God. I realized that although I am a licensed minister, what God has placed inside of me is not just for other Christians. It is not just for the church. We need supernatural gifts like faith and discernment in the boardroom; we need those gifts in the marketplace. They help us connect with the right people and know what we should and should not do. We need to be able to decipher when it's a good time to launch and navigate professionally in our businesses. If I only focus on who I am professionally, I deny a very valuable part of who I am. We need the natural with the supernatural because it’s not all about the income. It's about making an impact. If you focus on positively impacting others' lives, you will never have to worry about income. I consider myself a money magnet. I stand on the scripture in Deuteronomy that says God has given us the power to generate wealth. So that means I don't do things
for money because wealth is my fortune, and I understand that wealth is not just money. Wealth is an overflow, and an abundance of love, joy, and peace. Financial resources are included too because the Bible says money answers all things. But money can't be our driving force. It goes back to identity and understanding that we serve a multi-dimensional God. He's multifaceted. We must embrace all of who we are. I can preach it. I can teach it. I can get into the pulpit, and I can go into the marketplace. My messages are pretty much the same, but my method is what would be the difference between preaching in a faith -based organization versus a corporation or a fortune 500 company.
Incorporating our spiritual gifts allows us to be true to who we are, whether in business or ministry. It’s not about turning our spiritual gifts on and off. Faith should always be at the forefront of everything we do. I think God wants to use all of who we are combined with strategy and the right timing when we enter into the marketplace. Kimi: As a compilation of everything you have been through, you wrote Life After Betrayal. What is this book all about? “Life After Betrayal, How to Heal, Forgive and Move on” is a sequence of my book “Beloved, Experiencing God as Abba in a Fatherless Generation.” Within that book, I deal with the hurt and pain other people have caused and overcoming that. The book "Life After Betrayal” is where we can no longer point fingers and blame others. I call people to deal with themselves. I opened the book up with Eve having a conversation with the serpent and how he was able to lure her into gaining access to something that she already had, but she didn't recognize it. I correlate the spiritual sense of what took place for Adam and Eve to how we function in our daily lives. We tend to experience heartbreak and things like that by having the wrong conversation. Life After Betrayal is an invitation to a conversation that is all about inner healing, developing greater self-awareness by learning how to snatch our power back. It is an invitation to do your soul work so that you can be healed. So many broken people are starting ministries and businesses. We must learn to get to the root of what we experienced. It's all about us taking responsibility and how we can reposition ourselves in God, let go of what and who has hurt us and forgive people so we can be free.
Kimi: Do you believe that we must deal with what’s going on naturally and spiritually to be free? Carla: Yeah, because it's about harmony. You can get the Word all day. You can listen to preachers preach all day. If nobody teaches you how to apply the Word in your everyday life, what good is that to you? You don't want to know scripture just for the sake of knowing them, but you want to be able to walk it out. The Bible helps you to identify who you are and teaches you how to deal with other people. From 2013 to current, I have written and published 12 books in which many have become best-sellers (by God’s grace.) My faith is the foundation, and for me, its all about helping people to deal with real issues. I tend to be the type of person that will talk about issues that other preachers, speakers, or influencers may want to shy away from. I am willing to talk about masturbation and other topics nobody really wants to talk about. Let's deal with it for real, because privately, people are struggling. They don't know what is right and wrong. Nobody wants to talk about sex, but I have a teenage daughter. We had to talk about the female body. We had to talk about a lot of stuff because I don’t want music teaching my daughter. I don't want social media teaching her. We have to be willing to have tough conversations and move past religion because religion creates restrictions. And God didn't come to restrict us. He came to give us freedom and enjoy life, but we can't do that because we have so much blockage. We have to unlearn a lot of stuff that we have learned. I'm still unlearning. Some of us are operating according to what other people said we were. We need to be reintroduced or introduced to our true self, not the you that still hurts. Acknowledgment is the first step to overcome obstacles in our life. Kimi: How does your coaching process help women to overcome obstacles and embrace their wilderness experiences? Carla: I serve as a Business & Lifestyle Strategist where I offer personal growth and development coaching as well as business and book coaching. Business coaching is for those who are aspiring or established entrepreneurs. I help them through the process of launching their business or taking their business to the next level. Sometimes it is one small tweak in a strategy that will help take their business to 6, 7, or 8 figures. I also do a business gap analysis to find out what's missing or where they are in relation to where they want to be. Primarily what I find myself teaching whether for spiritual, personal, or professional development is centered around mindset mastery.
January 2021 PDWMAG.COM 15
“God has really blessed me through my
coaching business to be able to help so many individuals all around the world and incorporate prayer.” I teach classes on how to write a best-selling book in seven days, which is my exact writing process that I have packaged and share with my clients via Cannon Publishing. It is more about the strategy than it is the seven days. I've had some to write their book in seven days and others to finish in 70 days. It just depends on their level of commitment. The biggest thing is to get your message out to the masses, which is one of the things that I teach. Personal growth and development coaching are for men or women who desire to grow and take things to the next level. As a Life Coach, I help them identify the barriers that prevent them from experiencing breakthroughs, whether in their spiritual, personal, or professional life. God has really blessed me through my coaching business to be able to help so many individuals all around the world and incorporate prayer. I pray for my clients. I pray with my clients. But I don't over-spiritualize our connection. I include God in it, but we get down to business. Kimi: Any last word for our readers?
Carla:
Never give up because all things are possible.
Pursue God relentlessly!
Be kind to yourself.
Invite God all the way in.
Be relentless, unapologetic, and intentional.
16 PDWMAG.COM January 2021
January 2021 PDWMAG.COM 17
Healing the Soul By Dr. Teresa Slade
"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in
all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." 3 John 1:2 NKJV God desires that we would be whole and prosperous in all things. The soul is the place of our emotions, mind, intellect, heart, will, and thoughts. The principles and beliefs by which we govern ourselves are housed within our soul. The soul is also where we carry our hurts, wounds, disappointments, etc. The question becomes, what causes our soul to be wounded? Numerous situations can result in hurts, wounds, and disappointments.
Unhealthy relationships Not seeking or receiving counsel Pride Rejection Unfilled expectations Unforgiveness
We can certainly list many other situations that can cause hurt. These were just a few worth mentioning. Let's focus on unhealthy relationships. We are social beings, and we need to connect to one another. It is important to establish healthy relationships. Relationships are more comparable to stones than bricks. Bricks come in the same size/dimension and color. They can simply be laid on top of the other. Stones are very different. Each stone is unique in size and color. When the first stone is laid, you must search for the next stone that will best fit or be compatible with the first stone. This process is more deliberative. In other words, more thought and consideration is required. The same is true in relationships when establishing
relationships be deliberative and connect with the right people to ensure healthy relationships. Now that we have identified situations that can result in wounding the soul let's focus on healing the soul. Healing of soul requires the following:
Renewing of the mind Implanting the word of God Trusting God Discipline to make right choices
Renewing of the mind is crucial to healing our soul. Renewing the mind is changing our thought process, our perception, and focusing on positive thoughts. Remember, the soul is the place of the mind and thoughts. We are instructed in Romans 12:2 NKJV to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Ephesians 4:23 NKJV states, “be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” Also, Philippians 4:8 tells us to think on the good things. The book, “Who Switched Off My Brain? Controlling Toxic Thoughts and Emotions” by Dr. Caroline Leaf, discusses how the body processes thoughts positively or negatively. “Thoughts are electrical impulses, chemicals, and neurons. They look like a tree with branches. As the thoughts grow and become permanent, more branches grow, and the connections become stronger. As we change our thinking, some branches go away; new ones form the brain will change and rewire and grow. Your brain and body are linked, and the link starts with your thoughts.” This is the renewing of the mind. Lastly, always remember God desires that we would be whole and prosperous in all things, including our soul.
January 2021 PDWMAG.COM 19
From Buckling Under Pressure to Breaking Through to God's Promises By Elder Nicole S. Mason, Esquire
"God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], A very present and well-proved help in trouble" Psalm 46:1 (Amplified Bible AMP) The room was dimly lit, the curtains were closed tightly, my hair had not been combed, and my heartfelt like it had been blown into a million tiny pieces. I paced the floor, holding my newborn baby, who was crying to the top of his small lung capacity, and I was crying uncontrollably to the top of my lung capacity. He wanted his mom, and I wanted mine. I had two older boys, and my mom had always been there to help me. She had retired when I had my second son, so I could attend law school. But, this time, I found myself alone and devastated and trying to figure out just what to do. It was sudden and without warning. I went to sleep and woke up, and my life was never to be the same again. My mom died in her sleep of a heart attack. The grief of losing my mom while eight months pregnant with my third son was threatening to level me to the ground like a steamroller smooths the pavement. I was in a very dark place. My heart was heavy. I felt uncertain, scared, broken in my spirit, and weak in my body and soul. My strength was depleted. I needed help. With COVID-19 seemingly washing over our country like an unstoppable flood, you, too, may have experienced the loss of a loved one. Or perhaps you have lost a job. Maybe you do not know how you will meet all your financial obligations this month or next month. Or perhaps you are uncertain about the success of your business and how you will pay your employees or
20 PDWMAG.COM January 2021
yourself for that matter. You have exhausted all your resources and your contacts. The more you try to move forward without resolution, the weaker you feel. As I began to pray that night, I picked up the Bible in anticipation that God would soothe my heart through His Word. I turned to the Book of Psalms. This is a Book that provides comfort to the weary and strength to the faint. Psalm 46:1 encouraged my heart, "God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], A very present and well-proved help in trouble" (Amplified Bible AMP). This Psalm is a reminder that we can totally trust God in uncertain times. The Writer of the Psalm is encouraging the reader to remember the sovereignty of God. God is faithful, and He can be trusted to help us. He is a very present help. He is near us. He is dependable. He does not leave us to face our tough times alone. God has a great track record of wins and victories to His credit. You will make it! 15 years later I am confident that God will bring you through your toughest times. You're going from buckling under the pressure to breaking through to God's promises.
Challenging Transition
Spiritual
By Kiawana Leaf
As a nation, we have put so much power and strength in ourselves, politics, idols, and materialistic things. We are comfortable and complacent with our "normal" lifestyles, not challenging ourselves and others to grow and evolve into our God-ordained purpose. We have taken God out of everything. We have been in relationships both casually and intimately for our flesh and satisfaction that has not served any purpose.
2020
The year of the unknown! Certainly, no one expected our nation to live in a pandemic all year long, which seems to worsen. We did not foresee substantial amounts of job loss, food shortage, police brutality, envy, greed, virtual learning, domestic violence, and suicidal rates to rise. Who would have imagined the church's doors would close, movie theatres, minimal social gatherings, sports, entertainment, parties, funerals, down to weddings too? How does one survive and thrive feeling hopeless? I know the burden of feeling stuck in an unknown place. The Covid-19 pandemic brought forth transition. We were forced to move out of comfortability into the unfamiliarity of living out our purpose-driven lives through unexpected death, friendships, relationships, fitness, health, wellness, and wealth.
Although we are living through an interesting time this is the time to really get to know who you are, whose you are, and not lose hope of it due to what you see now! This is the time to take accountability, repent, heal, forgive, and live your life in your purpose-driven destiny unapologetically. I know it gets weary, lonely, and empty. I have been there, but Christ never fails us, no matter how many times we may fail him. He is waiting for us to put His power back in everything and live our lives out for Him. If this pandemic doesn't teach you anything else, I pray that God reveals His purpose and promise for you, to you, and challenges you to get out of your comfort zone. Purpose begins at the end of complacency and fear. Just take one leap of faith and watch how God overwhelms you. I was broken, ashamed, and embarrassed. I was a young single mother, domestic violence survivor, and suicidal. I had no hope, dreams, or visions. Fear of the unknown and what I saw in the current season I was in caused me to turn my back on God. I did not believe there was a purpose or promise for me. I wanted to use drinking, smoking, having sex, partying, and blending in as my coping mechanism. God snatched me out of my pit, placed me on an unfamiliar journey, and revealed His glory. He challenged me to live a purpose -driven life in the middle of a crisis. Christ is waiting for you! I challenge to evolve into who God says you are! You got this Queen, live bold, live proudly, and be a phenomenal Purpose Driven Woman!
January 2021 PDWMAG.COM
21
Getting Comfortable with Wealth By Pavielle Bookman
How many times have you felt that you are too ambitious? Better yet, how many times have you not pursued an opportunity because you believed you were chasing money due to the increase in salary that came with the position?
This mindset is not new. Somewhere in our life, we became conditioned to associate our service of Christ with being impoverished and modest. I want to challenge you to shift your thinking about financial success. Here is why sis. First, operating in your purpose will require you to work in a capacity that exceeds your expectations. This operation can lead to wealth. Thus, if you avoid wealth, you may be avoiding the vehicle to achieve that wealth, which involves you walking in purpose.
Be confident in how God feels about you.
He sacrificed the life of His only son so that you can live life abundantly. Walk in that every day.
Have a wealth affirmation.
My personal affirmation for this year is, "I am open to receive prosperity." Create your affirmation or use mine and say it daily.
Get comfortable visualizing yourself as wealthy and prosperous. Seeing yourself as wealthy and prosperous is the first step to believing you will be wealthy and prosperous. It is that easy. You can do this. You are worthy of abundance and I encourage you to walk in it.
Next, the Bible is the answer in every situation. When the Bible says we are to be the lender and not the borrower, we need to be in a position to lend. Lending comes from a place of abundance, not lack. And let's not forget that the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:18 makes sure she is profitable in her dealings. Sounds like she is prosperous right? Now let's discuss how to shift your mindset because guess what? You deserve to win in this area of your life. You are a child of the Most High God.
January 2021 PDWMAG.COM
23
Wealth and Prosperity
Personal Development begins with Self Reflection By Tarnya Coley
Personal development activities improve your life and contribute to the realization of your goals. These activities should keep you motivated and help you to create a better work-life balance. Also, they should improve your prospects and identify the areas of your life that needs the most attention. There are several benefits to having a personal development plan, but it all begins with self-reflection.
24 PDWMAG.COM January 2021
The start of a new year is a perfect time to reflect on your journey. Self-reflection helps you to look at what you have accomplished so far and assessing the areas that need improvement. Self-reflection is not a time to compare yourself with anyone else. This is your path and you must give yourself permission to move at your own pace.
Steal Away Find a quiet place that is free from distractions. A place where it is just you and your thoughts. Make sure you have a notepad and pen to jot down what comes to your mind. Be Intentional Once you have settled into your quiet place ask yourself specific thought-provoking questions, such as:
What have I accomplished?
What have I not accomplished?
How can I do things differently to produce different results?
What else do I want to work on?
How will I go about doing that?
How will I navigate the challenges?
Honesty is Key Be honest with yourself. This will help you to see your accomplishments as well as any changes or adjustments that need to be made.
Create an Action Plan Once you have a pretty solid picture of how far you have come on your personal development journey, it’s time to determine how you will move forward. What areas of your life do you want to work on? What action steps will you take to get to where you want to be? As you move forward in your personal development journey, remember this is a lifelong process. The key is to continue making positive changes. So be patient and kind to yourself. After all, you are worth it!
January 2021 PDWMAG.COM
25
Don’t Forget the Basics By Pastor Danyelle Scroggins
If
you find a couple who has forgotten the basic fundamentals of marriage, you have a couple whose love has died. If not both, one of them is contemplating divorce or living in the same house married, but feeling divorced.
What are the basic fundamentals?
Praying Communicating Kissing Sexual Intercourse Laughing
It's easy to forgive but stop giving. Just as it's easy to hear, but not listen.
Are you holding back in the bedroom? God specifically told us that the marriage's bed is not defiled because He did not want us making excuses for not performing all of our marital duties. These duties are just as essential as our gifting or anointing. Just as you are anointed to go forth in the church with His blessing, you are also anointed and sanctioned to go forth in your bedroom—with your spouse—with God's blessings. That's deep. I know. So deep that it blessed me. Christian marriages have failed to work because the
church has been unable to talk about the truth and the whole truth. The world has taught things that the church should teach, thus causing even that which is spiritual to be considered as natural. Well, it's time that we who are skilled in the oracles of God's teaching. Is the intimacy in your marriage gone? It shouldn't be hard to kiss the one you've committed to sharing life with. It shouldn't be hard to sit at a table with only him, enjoying looking into one another's eyes, without the cell phone in your hand. It shouldn't be hard swaying to love music as you think about the togetherness the night will bring. It's time for those who have been happily married for fifty-one years to teach those who are struggling at year three. It's time for us to understand that there is no other greater power unit on earth than marriage unity. When we remember and implement the basics, it causes us to remember why we must fight so hard to stay together. Lord, I pray for the basic fundamentals to be brought back to the institution of marriage and that marriages will function as you created them to work. I declare that the weapons formed in the mind of couples are destroyed today. I pray that unions will prosper in Jesus' name, Amen.
January 2021 PDWMAG.COM
27
Fight for Your Marriage By: Rhoda Whitfield
Nothing is ever perfect, and there is no such thing as a perfect marriage. Your marriage is a gift from God. It's something you have to learn to treasure.
Just Simply Saying
Do you sometimes feel that your marriage has died or is dying? Do you think your marriage is over? It's only over if you chose to allow it to be over. Listen, something attracted you to your spouse and made you feel God designed the two of you for each other. Despite what you think, your marriage is worth fighting for. Each of you will mess up. Too often, couples will choose to give up over fighting to stay together. I'm sure no one told you your marital journey would be easy. The bible speaks of how God fought for relationships with His people. He was forever faithful even when He was faced with unfaithfulness, disloyalty, and betrayal. He still would forgive over and over again. It's not uncommon for couples to disagree and not see eye to eye. You are two different people with different thought patterns and ideas. The way you were raised can impact your relationship and how it progresses. But none of those factors can hinder you from having a loving, successful marriage. Only you and your spouse can do that.
things could be different. But have you ever thought about if you changed how things would be different? From the beginning, it may not seem like you're making a difference. But be patient and let God do what He does best. He can bring about a change in everybody, especially when you ask Him for it.
Learn to close the distance between where you are and where you should be. We have to visualize our present, becoming better in the future. Therefore, we have to learn how to let go of past mistakes and forgive. As I said before, God forgave and continues to forgive over and over. We, too, need to learn how to forgive as well.
Will it be perfect? No. Nothing is ever perfect, and there is no such thing as a perfect marriage. Your marriage is a gift from God. It's something you have to learn to treasure. Your marriage, even if it doesn't feel like it now, is a priceless gift. It consists of two priceless people. You and your spouse are worth the love you have for each other. That alone is a reason to fight for your marriage.
There are so many marriages that deserve to be fought for. However, when a marriage includes one person with an unforgiving spirit, who fails to forgive or accept forgiveness, it is difficult for the union to move forward. This causes the marriage to be at a junction where it doesn't know whether it should move forward or standstill. One thing for sure, it's not progressing.
Quitting and giving up without a fight is easy. However, waiting on God's breakthrough is hard. Sometimes we get so impatient and want things instantly. God doesn't work like that. He never moves on our time. If you fail to put in the work to overcome your marriage's obstacles, you will miss the opportunity to experience what your marriage could have been.
Many times, in marriage, you will hear one party say, "I can't do this alone." But one person can start things to make a difference. The expected change you want to see should be in yourself and not only expected to be seen in your spouse. We tend to feel if our spouse would change,
28 PDWMAG.COM January 2021
I know sometimes it may feel you're at the end of your rope, hanging by a thread. Hold on; your breakthrough is coming. In the end, you'll see that fighting for your marriage was worth it. I'm Just Simply Saying.
For a full list our services and packages follow us on Facebook @wewowu
Love and Relationships
Share My Story:
I Found God, I Found Love, I Found You by Mayren C. Corpuz
For almost two decades ago, on the 9th of April, Dambana ng Kagitingan, at that same historical place, the love of my life made another historical moment when he professed his sincere intentions. One that day I found the love that God had prepared for me. The scripture says, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4. This was the Bible verse that had intimately worked between us. We found each other as good friends as we both served the Lord together in the same ministry, the Worship Department and Youth Ministry. As days went by, I never expected that that closeness would grow into a deeper level of friendship. I have to admit I'd found him very attractive! (And I still do, by the way). I never knew that he had the same thoughts for me, which was only confirmed on that day, and that was the most joyous day of my life. From then on, our relationship is continually nurtured by God's loving hand. We continue to live in His promise that as we delight ourselves with our Father, He will surely give our heart's desire. After almost three years of dating and friendship, our relationship grew more profound and more passionate. We learned how to accept our differences and what God had prepared for us. As we sought God's will, He blessed us when we exchanged our vows of commitment. I married my best
30 PDWMAG.COM January 2021
friend, my classmate from kindergarten. God gave us a home and we dedicated it back to Him. Because of God’s faithfulness we were able to build a house that we call home. We were blessed with a wonderful daughter who also serves the Lord. Together, we will continue to strengthen the bond we share. We will protect, and preserve this gift God had entrusted us with. We may have gone through several seasons, but we have allowed the love of God to saturate our hearts, and that has allowed us to continue to be the best of friends over the years. We have had our fair share of ups and downs during our marriage, but because we submit everything to Jesus – we have been able to overcome every challenge we've ever faced. I am writing this article to encourage those who desire to be best friends with your spouses. Seek God about how He would have you go about your relationship. Make Him write your love story- He who's the Author of love Himself.
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalms 37:4.
Poetic Purpose Know By Christina Malloy
Know who you are You are a child of God You are a overcomer You are a conqueror
And you will conqueror this Triumph in your life.
January 2021 PDWMAG.COM
31
Menopause is not a disease; it's a transition that won't LAST forever! By: Carleeka K. Basnight-Menendez
T
here are millions of women all around the world dealing with "The Change." What is the change? I call it the "Big M," which simply put is menopause. I was thrown into menopause over ten years ago due to having a full hysterectomy. I had no guidance or support to help with everything that I was going through or even what was to come before, during and after surgery. I had so many emotions that I could not explain. I felt defeated and less of a woman. Although I already was a mom of three, the daunting thought of the unknown scared me. Who could I talk to? Who would understand me? I had other women tell me, "Oh, get over it; you'll be fine, etc.…” Now, none of these women had a hysterectomy. Crazy right? The few consults before surgery were just letting me know how to prep and what to expect. However, I was not prepared for the days, months and years ahead after surgery.
what they are experiencing mentally, physically, and emotionally. It's not about just dealing with menopause but managing it so that it won't control your life, work and relationships. In doing my research, I see that African-American women are not represented and not conversing about their menopausal journey. Why? Yes, I have hot flushes, night sweats, irritability, mood swings, decreased libido, but I refuse to let menopause have control over ME! Take back your life and start managing your menopause. I will continue to bring awareness to menopause around the globe, reaching one woman at a time. Here are three ways you can manage your menopause:
Clean eating Exercise Track & Trend
Ten years later, I am speaking out about my menopause journey. You may be thinking, why now? Now is the time because I don't want other women to suffer in silence as I did for years. I could not explain what I was feeling. Can you remember your first hot flush? I sure can. I felt like I was on fire from my feet to the top of my head. All I wanted to do was jump in my deep freezer with no clothes on. I don't want other women to feel alone on this journey and think that they have to be quiet at home or in the workplace about
33 PDWMAG.COM January 2021
Family
Share My Story:
A Father’s Vicarious Teachings to His Daughter By: Kathy O. Lofton
I recently buried my father after being his primary caregiver for seven years. It wasn't due to anything tragic, sudden, and thank God, not because of COVID-19. I miss him nonetheless. It was due to something progressive and leading to an expected end. I was prepared emotionally and spiritually. I have peace. More importantly, I was prepared financially to bury my father with dignity and without dependence on other people, solicitation, or crowdfunding. I was able to effortlessly plan his homegoing within 24 hours. My father had all of his life affairs and contingency info conveniently organized and filed away for me in a central location. He had told me about his "essential briefcase" years ago. He wasn't necessarily good at making business decisions. However, he was good at preparing me for the world and the way it works. This was pivotal because it made all the difference when my father sustained his 2012 stroke, leaving him unable to do it for himself. I knew just what to do to facilitate his in-home long-term care and every personal record needed to do so. I was on top of things when he transitioned in October of 2020. I had the wherewithal to take out a small additional policy to bury him in a timely manner, without awaiting a lengthy federal retiree insurance beneficiary assignment process. Ahhh. Exhale. Speaking of time‌ It's funny how time and providence work in our lives. Oh, it is always predetermined by God. It's just that we try to manipulate how things happen, or anticipate how it will or should happen. The Lord gets us every time.
36 PDWMAG.COM October 2020
Thank you for the life we had, daddy, and the lessons you taught me. Rest in peace, eternally.
For instance, the Lord says He can restore time that has been lost. For me, it was inconceivable how that could happen. I guess I was thinking more in literal terms than divine. But now, I understand. As a child of divorce, my father's absence under the same roof represents a form of time lost. I was ten years old when my parents divorced. The loss of a two-parent environment was time I would never get back. I became my dad's primary caregiver in his home for seven years. I needed to take on that role because I realized that window of time would never come back. The seven years I willfully sacrificed to spend seven days a week, ensuring my father was well taken care of, added to the ten years I had with him as a child, equal 17. That is the age close to the time I first left home to go out on my own—the point: I got to live with my dad full time daily for seven extra years. See, the Lord does restore time. Not having my father in the household forced me to learn most of my survival and tactical skills from my mother. However, daddy's phone tutorials on home repair and assertiveness were priceless. Had I not learned how to tinker under the hood of a car, fix things around the house, make sure ends were met, and exercise my voice to both defend myself and achieve outcomes, I would never have been able to take care of him in the excellent manner I did. I wouldn't have had the know-how to improvise, resolve our dilemmas, master financial management, excel at planning, take control, or protect him as a disabled adult. Sometimes being apart provides more of a benefit than being together. Thank you for the life we had, daddy, and the lessons you taught me. Rest in peace, eternally.
January PDWMAG.COM
37
On the Cover
Anna Nyakana is an Award -Winning and Bestselling Author, Motivational Speaker, and Business Owner of Niyah Zuri Books and Niyah Zuri Studios. Anna was born in Berlin, Germany in 1986 to a Ugandan father and German-Moldavian mother. Her family immigrated to the United States in the early 90’s, settling in Stamford, Connecticut. Anna pursued her writing and musical passions beginning at the age of 6 and spent her teenage years honing her skills of songwriting and live performance until releasing her debut album in 2007. Anna Nyakana proceeded to attain her Bachelor’s degree in Business in 2011 and soon after extended her writing talents into her first literary work, “The Student Survival Guide to Online College.” She was able to guide thousands of students during their journey of attaining higher education through an online platform through this quick guide but yearned to help a different demographic close to her heart: children. Cont’d on next page
Anna Nyakana Bestselling Author
Niyah Zuri and The Pharaoh’s Throne”
follows my fearless heroine Niyah Zuri as she and her best friends, Miguel and Hugo Gonzales, time-jump throughout history. Readers build their vocabulary while being exposed to world culture and are empowered from seeing characters of color in the forefront. Moreover, young girls learn that they don’t have to play a damsel in distress role, they can be the hero in their own stories and save themselves by using their most beautiful and precious asset; their mind. I am determined to change the narrative. There were no books with characters that represented me and the kids in my neighborhood. As an ESL (English as a Second Language) student, this discouraged my desire to read to improve my English and suppressed a discovery of self-love. What a generation we could create if we only empowered our youth to know their value through exposure to their rich history versus the suppression of indoctrination. Moreover, the classroom is often times the first place where a child meets another of a different race. Seeing as the classroom is the representation of the outside world, it is critical children have the opportunity to learn about cultures other than their own in order to gain love, empathy, and understanding for those different from them. I decided to not talk about it but be about it and I encourage everyone to walk purposefully to positively impact this world, the future is depending on it. Niyah Zuri is more than my main character, it's more than a book, it's a movement: Niyah Zuri means beautiful purpose and I utilize all of these elements combined with motivational speaking to encourage the youth to live purposefully in their paths! Everyone has their own destiny, the movement lights the flame for all to seek out and walk in their dreams now.
I will reveal many new projects in 2021 that I have been working diligently towards during this quarantine, including my sequel book "Niyah Zuri and The Mayan Eclipse", my animated cartoon "Adventures with Niyah Zuri" and several other exclusives that I must keep hush-hush for now. Join the Niyah Zuri Tribe to keep up with my latest developments and let's work towards the progression of this world! The Niyah Zuri series books, Niyah Zuri Apparel, and free parent/teacher resources can all be accessed on my website www.annanyakana.com
Anna Nyakana’s bio continued... Through her own personal experiences, Anna discovered there was an overwhelming need for multicultural children’s books where heroines could slay the fiercest of dragons versus filling the typical princess in distress role. Out of this desire, the Niyah Zuri series was born and Anna took the next few years to write and publish her greatest literary work. "Niyah Zuri and The Pharaoh's Throne" hails as a time-bending exploration of ancient lands lead by the headstrong Niyah Zuri and her best friends Miguel and Hugo Gonzales. This chapter book is geared towards upper elementary through lower middle school readers and comes equipped with a full glossary and free online resources for parents and teachers to access.
Follow me on all social media platforms @Niyah_Zuri January 2021 PDWMAG.COM
39
Rest is a Weapon By Teraleen R. Campbell
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 Admittedly I am a doer and, to some degree, a fixer. It is my nature. It’s in my blood. I come from a lineage of women who were the same. Living less than 20 miles from the US government's seat and seeing it become the seat of racism and not having the ability to do anything to stop it pains me greatly. I know, I am not Superwoman. However, feeling helpless leaves me (as millennials would say) "feeling some type of way." One thing that I have realized is that I am not succeeding when it comes to getting rest. My normal nightly sleep is inadequate, according to medical guidelines. Moreover, there are times when I, like many, lay down, but my mind and soul remain tired. Therefore, holistic and complete rest seems elusive. The pandemic and current state of our nation have left my spirit restless on many nights. I know that I am not alone in this, hence me being so transparent. I had a conversation with the Lord because this has weighed heavily on my heart. God said that the fact that I identified this was not a coincidence. He reveals to heal. He wants me to rest. Likewise, God wants you to rest - holistic, mind, body, spirit - rest. Recently, I had just finished praying with a friend. After hanging up, the Lord said the turmoil I am dealing with is also a tactic used by Satan to wear me out and render me ineffective. He further said that REST is a weapon that must be utilized in this season. I grabbed hold of that admonishment. It shook me, but I know that I am not alone. I encourage you to take steps to rest your mind. Move or sit in silence for a while. Try mindful relaxation. Be I intentional, play instrumental music or sounds of nature. This season has been mentally and emotionally exhausting on many fronts. Therefore, I am taking steps to get more holistic rest. Since I am not alone, I chose to share what the Holy Spirit has spoken to me. May it prompt you to join me in increasing your level of rest.
REST Recognize – that you are not in the best holistic health space. Your body may be well, but your heart and soul may be pained. Evaluate – how did I get here? How do I get a release? Stop – put yourself on cease & desist, say NO to things that do not serve you well in this season, step away either temporarily or permanently. Take back – take steps to reclaim holistic health and wellness. Pray, read a book, journal, take a walk, go for a drive, turn off the TV, listen to upbeat music, do one of your favorite things. As my auntie Maxine says, "reclaim your time."
January 2021 PDWMAG.COM
41
All around the world women from different walks of life are letting their light shine by sharing their story and encouraging women.
SHARE YOUR STORY
Let’s Stand Together!
Join the movement by sharing your story with us. Submissions must contain factual information and should be 500 words or less. Stories should be submitted to hello@pdwmag.com
Providing Inspiration for Your Purpose Journey