Close your eyes and remember the nostalgia of summers of the past. When I think of the summer I recall playing outside until the street lights came on and then watching the fireflies begin to start filling the air and lighting up the yard, watermelon and fresh Jersey corn, visiting the ice cream truck, sleepovers with first cousins, and songs like, “summer summer summer time, time to sit back and unwind… by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince” echoing in my heart and mind. Your memories I’m sure are different but what likely aligns is the “ease of life” theme that you may also identify with connected to the summer months. It was generally the time when school was out of session and relax mode was somewhat the default setting of life as a child. Well our Summer Issue is set to help you reconnect with that frame of mind and mode of operation to a degree. We do want you to take a load off and receive a modicum of ease as you “synchronize” with the NOW season ordained by God for your success.
When you think of synchrony I want you to imagine the shower or a waterfall flowing down and the only effort that you must take to partake in its refreshing flow is adjusting to be under or in the flow.
Synchronizing is all about adjustment, arrangement, or alignment to be in rhythm or sync with, fully present mind, body, and spirit: harmony or working together.
When I speak of the “NOW season” I am identifying cosmic, heavenly, atmospheric, spiritual and/ or natural climates that are aligned and conducive for manifestation. Our aligning or synchronizing with it causes us to capitalize on the key components of our purpose and God-designed, strategically timed, momentum streams. There comes a time when some would say, “the stars align” or “everything just fell into place” yet I am a believer in divine alignment or synchrony with God and all the moving parts of His plans for us. We want you to have a sense of this divine timing and how to partner with it for the maximum benefit. How to bring yourself into a place of agreement and flow with it. How to identify the destiny helpers. What to do when you realize you are emphatically in a moment/ season of alignment? These are the kinds of questions we want to answer for you, and to inspire you to “Synchronize For Success” and “Align For Prosperity” in this issue. Grab a cold glass of whatever brings you pleasure, find a shady breezy spot and take in the prescriptions for alignment with what could potentially be one of the best times of your life.
Table of Contents
ALIGNING PURPOSE WITH SOUL
Journey into the soul realm and find out how all the pieces fit for a fulfilled life.
THE ROADMAP: SYNCHRONIZED FOR SUCCESS
FINDING YOUR FIT: JOURNEY TO THE PERFECT FITNESS PLAN JUST FOR YOU
Understanding the journey to fitness can be a perfectly winding road.
Take out your notebooks for this in-depth look at making your Godgiven dreams a reality.
Things that can minister to your soul, body, or spirit.
EDITOR’S ADVICE NUTRITIONAL NOURISHMENT
Most often in the summer we try to do dishes that are quick, very tasty, and light so we can keep the summer bodies we’ve worked so hard to get.
BRAGGING RIGHTS
Testifying, sharing what we have witnessed, of God’s amazing power and grace in our lives encourages others. It reminds us that no matter how bad a situation looks there IS HOPE with God.
SELAH MOMENT
Pause. Take a moment. Have a little fun with our brain teasers.
ASK THE EXPERTS
Experts answer your most asked questions.
PRAYERS & AFFIRMATIONS
SANIT SOURCE y
CONTRIBUTORS
Sanity Source is built around bringing a diverse array of opinions and experts to serve our woman readers of all walks. Currently, our amazing contributors vary each issue to bring you the most relevant content for the season. We are grateful for each of their perspectives.
DR. DAWN MURRAY-HARTMAN
founder + Ceo house of dawn, inC | author
Dr. Dawn founded House of Dawn, Inc. in 2000 a nonprofit organization that provides housing and supportive services to young mothers and their children. Dr. Dawn is also the CEO for her business Nonprofit Success, LLC a for profit business helping nonprofits succeed, that empowers people with like passions, who will serve people in their communities that need support. Dr. Dawn teaches non-profit leadership from start-up to sustainability; how to get the money and how to keep it to new upcoming non- profit organizations. Her skills and ability have paved the way for her to successfully give guidance and leadership to other non-profits, leading them down a path to success.
Dr. Dawn is an author of the book Dawn of a New Day My Journey to Nonprofit Success and a Co-Author to C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S Mentoring Creates Change! An Amazon #1 Bestseller.
This nonprofit led Dr. Dawn on a journey to be the first African American business owner in the City of Jonesboro, the first African American Women to have her own subdivision in the city as well as the first African American Women to have a street named after her. Dawn scaled her programs over the years to include seven different programs to house and empower young families and provide a safe haven for young families in the Clayton County Community and globally. While successfully operating House of Dawn, Inc Dr. Dawn has positioned herself as a leader in her community, and philanthropist..
Dr. Dawn has also received a Presidential Award signed by President Biden and proudly serves as a Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Atlanta Southern Crescent.
Email: houseofdawn1@bellsouth.net
LEI-SA ANDERSON
pastor | entrepreneur + business owner
Lei-Sa Anderson has been married to the love of her life, David for 23 yrs. She is a wife, mother of four plus 2 awesome Son-in-Loves, and a grandmother of seven. She and her husband have been pastoring for 13 years. She is a graduate of Theos Bible College, Ministerial Excellence. Her multifaceted experience includes business owner, conference host, author, poet, performance artist, public speaker, baker, jewelry maker, fashion interior designer, muralist, multimedia artist, creativity coach, Clubhouse moderator, former choreographer, liturgical dancer, (competitive) and cheer coach. God has used her life as an example of His supernatural artistry and creative powers on the earth!
Email: pastorleisa@wocfamlife.com
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Contact us!
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SADIRA DAVIS | Editor-In-Chi E f
Sadira is the founder and editor in chief for Sanity Source magazine. She has been instrumental in changing hundreds of lives over the years as an outspoken leader and life coach: healing, guiding, and setting souls free through ministry, coaching, leadership training, conferences, and multiple published works.
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Aaron is a talented creative that produces work from illustration to architectural building design with a passion for details.
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A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it. It just blooms.
PHOTO
| RAY FRAGAPANE
If you get tired, learn to rest not quit .
Aligning Purpose with Soul
LARTICLE | LEISA ANDERSON
et’s have a conversation about the importance of living up to your full potential while on this earth.
Aligning Your Purpose and Soul, synchronizing with God, which will propel you to success. Keep in mind promises or “prizes” are divinely attached to purpose. All of us want the bounty of promise but too often we neglect and aren’t diligent to identify and aggressively pursue our purpose.
It is one thing to know and understand that you have a purpose, whether general or complex. It is another thing, to live a life maximizing your capacity to live that purpose at any given moment.
Everything God made, He made with purpose, for a purpose, and on purpose.
All creation has a divine purpose.
If that is true…which I believe it is, can you imagine the vast capacity regarding purpose that we must carry?
Among the many benefits and blessings afforded to us as believers, are the distinct roles of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and how together as One, they watch over our soul and confirm purpose in every one of us.
Divine purpose and the soul’s role in it is a topic that is not regularly communicated. We want the harmony of our design to be in the right working order. Fulfillment of divine purpose requires divine order. God knew that we would be challenged to navigate our paths to and through purpose.
Therefore, He has equipped us with everything that pertains to life and godliness in order to be successful.
He gave us a soul.
In life, we do not always press in to see the bigger picture. Whether it’s everyday challenges, life traumas, or major distractions, there always seems to be something that takes us off course. Re-aligning ourselves is paramount.
Our purpose is complex and so are we. We should never see ourselves as a “one-trick pony”. The Bible says that we were created in God’s
image and likeness, which means we are more and have more inside of us, than we may realize or understand.
Seeking to understand the complexity will result in maximizing our purpose.
Once we gain the knowledge and tools, we must fulfill our purpose. Like a combination lock we should be twisting and turning, adjusting, until we unlock in each part and tap into full manifestation. Aligning to our purpose is an inside job, but God guides us.
What is the role of our Soul?
One of the missing pieces that is paramount in all of this is to understand what the soul is and the intended role of our souls. Soul or “psuche” in the Greek is the breath of God, the seat of the affections and will, the self, according to the Strong’s Concordance (5590), it’s the part that makes man a “living soul”. We may minimize the value of our souls because more often than not we are not always in agreement with what we have allowed our souls to randomly produce.
Understanding the soul can be confusing to some. Simply put, the “lover of our souls, the soulmaker” defines what makes up the soul as the mind, the will, and the emotions.
Let us begin with the mind…
The inner workings of the mind are intricate and sophisticated, and in my opinion, is additional proof that God is omniscient. Our elaborate thinking machine helps us to identify our purpose. In addition to that we are gifted the use of creativity and imagination to guide our thoughts and form our words, which can beautifully bring the plan to fruition in our unique way.
Now engage our will…
What we think about, meditate, or ponder on long enough will usually end in some form of action and becomes our “will”. So, let us focus on the advantages of our will. With the help of the mind, our wills can completely align with God’s will for our lives. If we determine that God’s way is the best way for us, following His plan then becomes more of an invited response and less of a duty or task for our will. I choose to submit to His will because I recognize that the giver of purpose knows best how to complete the work that He began. This leads to additional
revelations regarding the next steps for overall success. Embracing His will helps to refine and polish our own will.
Add the power of emotions…
I believe that our emotions are a gift. However, we need to intentionally manage them on a consistent and ongoing basis. When we do we can see them flourish in ways that enhance purpose instead of hindering it. Our emotions help us navigate the opportunities presented. They are also of significant importance to aid us in fully experiencing what is, and what is not, pertinent to purpose.
Like a combination lock we should be twisting and turning, adjusting, until we unlock in each part and tap into full manifestation.
When all these components of our soul are working together in alignment, prosperity of purpose is promised. All things do work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 confirms this for us. This is when the Word of God which is life starts to become life to you.
When you desire to bring your soul fully into alignment with your purpose, here are some guidelines:
Know that you have a purpose.
God never creates anything without purpose. Everything that was created was created with purpose, for a purpose, and on purpose. This includes you!
God wants you to be aligned with His purpose for your life.
Your life is to be used to bring Him glory. This purpose is the umbrella, but you have the privilege of gaining life experiences to enhance what is underneath.
You are not a one-trick pony.
You have one main purpose but many smaller purposes that help to clarify what that main purpose seeks to achieve. All are perfectly tailored to the original design. Look for them. Develop them. Use them.
Expect the unexpected.
8 WAYS TO CREATIVELY ALIGN PURPOSE WITH SOUL: 1 3 4 2
Surprises are one of God’s many specialties. You may never know what is inside unless you purposely open the gifts.
5
Talents, Gifts, and Natural Abilities are all clues.
To aid you in solving what may seem like one supersized mystery,
take a moment to list your natural talents, gifts, and abilities. They need to be identified and utilized. Pray and ask God for instructions as to how to best use them effectively. Patiently wait for the answers.
6 7
Be anxious for nothing.
Give God praise to foster a grateful heart. Your gifts, talents, and abilities are His gift to you for the world. How you give Him glory with them is your gift back to Him.
Your soul is of necessity when it comes to your purpose.
Your mind, will, and emotions play an intricate part in the overall experience for you and for those you are called to impact. You need to have a handle on how they work together to help you navigate and bedazzle your purpose. You need them all cultivated and in the right working order.
8
Your unique qualities are just that - unique.
You are the only one on the earth, who can do what you do in your special way. Others may seem to be called to a similar purpose, but it will manifest differently because of your special and unique abilities. Treasure, value, and prepare what God made, when He made you.
You were born to make a difference in this world, do it, while expertly engaging your soul in success!
sum mer
Perfect Grilled Lamb Kebobs
1 1/2 1/2 1/2
pound lamb loin, boneless yellow bell pepper, chopped red bell pepper, chopped red onion, quartered
tablespoons balsamic vinegar
tablespoons soy sauce
tablespoons worcestershire sauce
tablespoons olive oil
teaspoon italian seasoning
teaspoon salt
teaspoon pepper
teaspoon onion powder
teaspoon garlic powder
1. Whisk together the marinade ingredients.
2. Cut the lamb into bite sized cubes and place in a shallow bowl.
3. Pour the marinade over it and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. Discard the marinade. Thread the lamb and vegetables onto eight skewers.
6. Place the lamb kabobs onto the hot grill and grill for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning regularly to ensure all sides are cooked.
Recipe credit: Arman Liew
SIMPLE SUMMER GREEN SALAD
2 heads of butter lettuce • 1 thinly sliced Persian cucumber • ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese • 2 tablespoons pepitas • 1 thinly sliced avocado • ¼ cup microgreens • ½ cup raw almond s • ½ tablespoon tamari • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice • 1 grated garlic clove • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
ROASTEDCAULIFLOW
E R STEAKS
Unlock the flavors of cauliflower with a red pepper, olive and caper salsa, topped with almonds. Healthy and vegan, it makes a tasty light lunch or supper.
• 1 roasted red pepper • 4 pitted black olives • handful of parsley • 1 teaspoon capers • ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar • 2 tablespoons toasted flaked almonds
2. Meanwhile, make the salsa. Chop the pepper, olives, parsley and capers, and put into a bowl and mix with the remaining oil and vinegar. Season to taste. When the steaks are cooked, spoon over the salsa and top with flaked almonds to serve. serves 2
1. Heat oven to 425°F and line a baking tray with baking parchment. Slice the cauliflower into two 1-inch steaks – use the middle part as it’s larger, and save the rest for another time. Rub the paprika and ½ tbsp oil over the steaks and season. Put on the tray and roast for 15-20 mins until cooked through.
• Freshly ground black pepper • ½ teaspoon honey • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil • ½ teaspoon fresh or dried thyme Recipe credit: Jeanine Donofrio
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, mustard, salt, pepper, and honey.
2. Drizzle in the olive oil while whisking and continue to whisk until the dressing is emulsified.
3. If your dressing is too tangy, add more olive oil, to taste.
4. Roast the almonds: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the almonds on the sheet and toss with tamari. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes or until browned. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
5. Assemble the salad. In a large bowl toss the lettuce with a few spoonfuls of the lemon vinaigrette. Add the cucumber, parmesan, pepitas, avocado, and tamari almonds. Drizzle with more dressing and top with microgreens. Season to taste with flaky sea salt, if desired.
Recipe credit: Sophie Godwin
Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler
fresh yellow peaches, sliced
cup sugar
tablespoon cinnamon
cup butter, diced
cobbler topping:
cup butter, melted
cup sugar
cup all-purpose flour
teaspoon baking powder
tablespoon cinnamon
teaspoon salt
vanilla ice cream
1. Preheat the oven to 375 F.
2. Add peaches, sugar, and cinnamon to a large casserole or baking dish. Dollop peaches evenly with butter cubes.
3. In a separate bowl mix, melted butter, sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together until a cookie batter type dough starts to form.
4. Clump together the batter and spread evenly over the top of the cobbler.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sides are bubbly and the top is golden brown.
6. Allow cobbler to cool for 15-20 minutes to set and serve with vanilla ice cream or whip cream.
Recipe credit: Elizabeth Van Lierde
THE ROADMAP: SYNCHRONIZED FOR SUCCESS
FINDING ALIGNMENT IN NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP
ARTICLE | DR. DAWN MURRAY-HARTMAN
Both in life and in the ever-evolving landscape of nonprofit work, finding the right moment and aligning various elements for success can feel like a complex dance. As the CEO and Founder of a thriving nonprofit House of Dawn and my for-profit business Nonprofit Success, I’ve spent years helping organizations navigate these waters. My journey, which I detail in my book Dawn of a New Day: My Journey to Nonprofit Success, has been a testament to the power of timing, alignment, and the incredible support of destiny helpers. In this article, I will share insights on how to identify the perfect timing for your business endeavors, align yourself with the flow of success, and recognize the individuals who play pivotal roles in your journey. Additionally, I will offer practical advice for those who find themselves in a season of alignment and are eager to maximize that synchrony for success.
I am a firm believer that if God gives you a vision(s) he will give you the provisions that will include the people and all the resources to carry out his work.
IDENTIFYING THE TIMING AND ALIGNMENT
Recognizing the right moment to take significant steps in your business requires a complex blend of spiritual guidance, prayer, meditation, intuition, strategic planning, and attentiveness to external signals. For me, in developing my nonprofit House of Dawn it began with deep market research and understanding the needs of the communities we aimed to serve. I paid close attention to emerging trends, funding opportunities, and policy changes that could impact our mission.
However, beyond the data, there was an intuitive aspect—an inner sense of readiness and momentum. This intuition was honed through years of experience, allowing me to sense when our team and resources were truly prepared for the next leap.
BRINGING YOURSELF INTO AGREEMENT AND FLOW
Achieving alignment within oneself and the organization involves clear vision, strong leadership, and a commitment to continuous improvement. I ensured that our mission and values were at the core of every decision we made. This clarity of purpose helped synchronize our efforts and created a cohesive flow towards our goals.
Practically, this meant regular strategic meetings, transparent communication, and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Personally, I invested in professional development, sought mentorship, and maintained a healthy work-life balance to stay grounded and focused. I can’t tell you the importance of work life balance and times of isolation so that you are making time to sit still to hear from God so that you know what your next steps are. Always take time alone to reevaluate your Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
IDENTIFYING THE DESTINY HELPERS
Destiny helpers are those individuals who appear at critical junctures to offer guidance, support, or resources that propel your mission forward. In my experience, these people came in various forms—prayer warriors, friends, mentors, board members, volunteers, and even partners from unexpected sectors. The mission of House of Dawn started out providing housing and supportive services to young mothers ages 13-21 and their children, providing a safe haven for them, and developing them into independent women and loving mothers to their children. I often looked for people that had a heart to serve this population. So many people, men and women have been touched by either young or single mothers in one way or another, maybe if they were a teen mother themselves or if they were raised by a teen mother. People that have been affected by this cause often make great destiny helpers and want to give back and support in one way or another.
Identifying these helpers required me to stay open to new relationships and opportunities. I networked extensively, attended industry conferences, and joined professional groups. Equally important was being receptive to feedback and constructive criticism, and being willing to collaborate, recognizing that success in the nonprofit sector is rarely a solo endeavor. God has always sent me the right people at the right time. The truth is this isn’t work that you want to do alone, you want a supportive team. Your team should include businesses, volunteers, board members, staff, and of course you need donors that believe in your vision. I have been blessed for the last 24 years with destiny helpers that comprised the House of Dawn team.
MAXIMIZING MOMENTS OF ALIGNMENT
When you realize you are in a season of alignment, it is crucial to act with intentionality. Here are steps you can take to harness this period effectively:
CAPITALIZE ON MOMENTUM
Identify quick wins and highimpact initiatives that can amplify your current success
STRENGTHEN YOUR TEAM
Invest in your team’s development and ensure everyone is aligned with your vision
EXPAND YOUR NETWORK
Leverage your current success to build new partnerships and strengthen existing ones
REFLECT AND ADAPT
Regularly assess your strategies and be willing to pivot as needed to maintain alignment
In my journey, during these pivotal moments, I focused on scaling our programs, expanding our reach, securing sustainable funding, and deepening community engagement. By staying aligned with our mission and being responsive to the needs of our stakeholders, we were able to navigate challenges and seize opportunities effectively.
In Chapter 16 of my book, (excerpt below), I catalog the building of one of my new homes for House of Dawn debt free. It is a true testament of how praying, asking God specifically for what I needed, and having the faith to believe that HE would deliver me a brand new home paid in full for our program, not only came true but he graciously walked me through the entire process step by step. This has enabled me to help others that want to travel their nonprofit journey, and to be a successful aid to those in need. This journey of helping others to start and sustain their own nonprofits turned into another business for me: Nonprofit Success.
Preface of my book Dawn of a New Day: My Journey to Nonprofit Success
This House of Dawn journey grew into an unbelievable faith walk for me. The more hurdles we jumped over, the deeper my faith in the Lord became. My Daddy told me when we opened House of Dawn that it would be done in such a way that only God could get the Glory! Daddy was right. Did I feel like giving up at times? Absolutely. But I didn’t. I surrounded myself with positive people who have supported and encouraged me in this work. This makes me truly blessed, providing me with the means to pass those blessings on to others.
So . . . why did I write this book? Because I want my struggles to prevent your struggles.
My goal is to inspire people to step out on faith and live their passion. No matter how hard it seems or how many roadblocks you face, do not give up!
As you move through this book you will read about the highs and lows, the battles and the accolades. I have also provided tools to help with your own start-up, such as checklists and Nonprofit Nuggets. These tools are useful whether your organization identifies as a nonprofit or for-profit.
So, turn the pages, follow the script, and be the success that you planned to be!
Chapter 16
You Have to Move – Your Second Chance Home has been Sold
One December afternoon in 2017, Taneisha and I were working in our office when the phone rang. The caller ID told me it was our Second Chance Home (SCH) Landlord, the home for our teenage moms and while staring at the ringing phone I immediately felt uneasy.
“I’m not answering it,” I told Taneisha. It’s our landlord and for some reason, I don’t think it’s good news. I think he sold the house.”
“What?” Taneisha replied. “Why do you think that?”
I didn’t know why; it was just a feeling. I
told Taneisha I wasn’t ready to hear what he had to say yet.
I waited about an hour before calling him back. “Dawn, we sold the property to a developer, and we closed today. The new landlord will be reaching out to you. I’m not sure if you will have sixty or ninety days to vacate the premises, but that will be up to him. Thank you for being a good tenant,” said the voice on the other end of the phone. My instincts were correct. The first thing that I thought about was Mrs. Smith, his mother, whom I originally rented the house from. She wouldn’t have handled it this way; she would have made sure that we were okay. This was the hand House of Dawn was dealt, but I knew God
had us and would take care of everything. I wasn’t nervous. I didn’t have any fear. I just trusted God.
I initially kept the news to myself so as not to make anyone nervous. I did eventually tell the administrative staff, director, and case management team what we were facing, and assured them we had nothing to worry about. I believe because I wasn’t showing fear they felt confident that everything would be okay.
I later received a call from a local businessman by the name of Mr. Lacey. He and his sister wanted to meet, but I was on my way out of town for the holiday. I figured maybe they wanted to look at partnering with House of Dawn in the new year, so I was eager to meet with them upon my return.
They stopped by House of Dawn in early 2018, and I personally gave them the full tour, explaining our program and how much we had grown since we first started.
During our tour, I could see the surprised look on their faces at how many people we had working in that small office and how cramped we were.
Once we sat down and started talking, to my surprise, I found out that they were actually the new owners of the property. This meeting was to discuss them being our landlords and to let us know that the land would be sold to developers and we would eventually have to move but House of Dawn was not going to be put out of our SCH, so that we could take our time finding another location.
I shared my vision that the goal of the (Transitional Living Program) TLP property was to eventually build a SCH on that lot. I guess it was time to move forward with that vision, but it would take some time because we had to secure funding as well. They were very understanding and told me not to lose any sleep about having to move out of the SCH home before we were ready.
My prayers had been answered! But now I just had to work on the biggest part –how would we get the money to make all of this happen? I knew that God wasn’t finished and also believed in my heart that he didn’t intend for us to have a mortgage on this new home.
If God gave you the vision, HE will make the provision!
A few weeks later they had another surprise. Renovations were being completed on Mrs. Smith’s old home that they owned as well, and they offered to let us move our office into this much bigger home at the same price House of Dawn was already paying in rent. My mouth dropped! We were finally getting the bigger space that we so desperately needed.
What was even more exciting is that this was the home of one of House of Dawn’s first supporters and my first champion who fought to have our program in this community. It was an honor to have House of Dawn’s administrative offices located in Mrs. Smith’s home. That warmed my heart more than anything.
Once the work was complete, they took me on a personal tour of the renovated home. At one point, they directed me to a room with a private entrance. “As the CEO of this agency you deserve your own office,” Mr. Lacey announced.
For the first time since House of Dawn opened its doors, I had my own office! And I could not wait to make it look like the CEO’s office I had always dreamed about. Blessings were raining down on House of Dawn, but I couldn’t get caught up in it all because I still had to find funding to purchase a new SCH. So, I started looking for funders that focused on building campaigns.
I then received a call from one of my funders, The Community Development Block Grant, who discovered that a local funder, the Clayton County Housing
Authority, was looking to donate up to $30,000 to reliable agencies working hard in the community. They told them about House of Dawn, so I contacted the funder and set up a meeting to give him more information about our program and a tour of the agency.
When the Clayton County Housing Authority representative came out, he seemed impressed with what we were doing for homeless young mothers and their children. I was then invited to speak at their next board meeting. Of course, I agreed, sensing this could be a great opportunity for House of Dawn. I spent the next weeks preparing and could not wait to do a presentation for them.
Then the unthinkable happened the morning of the presentation. As I tried to get out of bed, I couldn’t stand up straight. My back was out and despite using rubs, taking pain relievers, wearing a back brace, and laying on a heating pad, I was still in extreme pain. I knew that if I didn’t make it to this board meeting, I’d have to wait until the following month for another chance to present. The funds could be distributed elsewhere by then – I was determined to do this presentation if I had to crawl in there.
I eased into the car with all of House of Dawn’s materials and drove to the Clayton County Housing Authority’s office. Instead of going inside right away, I waited until it was closer to presentation time. I was still in pain but straightened up enough to appear okay.
Throughout my presentation, I could tell by their reactions, head nods, and smiles that the board members liked what I had to say. They enjoyed the House of Dawn video and seeing the work that we were doing in the community, which felt good. I then opened the floor up for questions, and they seemed delighted and satisfied with my answers, until I was asked:
“What is it that your agency needs the most?”
I knew the answer, but suddenly felt afraid to say it aloud as a big lump formed in my throat and the room got very hot. I was embarrassed by my hesitation after everything seemed to be going so well.
All of the sudden I heard the Lord say,“You have not because you ask not, I didn’t give you the spirit of fear!” And in that moment, I got my self-confidence back.
“What we need most is a new SCH for our teen moms and babies to live. We have the land, but we need a home built on it,” I answered.
That’s when the questions really started flying. “How much do you think it will cost to build your home? ”One gentleman asked. I got another lump in my throat and when the words finally came out, I was just beating around the bush.
“Are you not sure of the cost?” he inquired, cutting my rambling off.
I was afraid to say the number out loud because I knew that the Clayton County Housing Authority was only offering up to $30,000 – a number that I was comfortable asking for in person.
“It will cost about $350,000 to build this home. We are now in the process of finalizing the drawings and having it designed, but we have set a $350,000 budget,” I acknowledged.
I write (and have been awarded) grants for large sums of money all the time, but until now I was not yet comfortable asking for such a large amount of money in person. Post- presentation, I felt very good about it.
I packed up my items, thanked everyone for their time, and walked back to my car. I only hoped I was playing it off and that no one could tell just how much I was still hurting.
I made it back home to my heating pad, opened my prayer journal, and talked to God about my experience. I thanked Him for giving me the strength to make it to the meeting and the courage to honestly answer all of their questions.
The next day I had less pain but was able to move around better and drive. Ironically, my sister was having back surgery, so I went to the hospital to see her. While there I received a call from the Clayton County Housing Authority’s director, so I stepped into the hall to accept the call.
He told me that they were impressed with my presentation and all of the wonderful work that we were doing. This is why they looked forward to assisting House of Dawn with funding. He then listed the possibilities: (1) they could write House of
CONCLUSION
Dawn a check for operations for $25,000 or (2) they could assist us with building our SCH, but the offer of building assistance came with concerns of what happens to House of Dawn if something happens to me. I then explained the succession plan our board had in place, and the director asked me to email a copy to share and discuss with the other members.
Look at God! He was now answering the other part of the prayer that there be no mortgage on this Second Chance Home. He knew we needed a new home which we couldn’t afford to buy, didn’t have a down payment for, and the vision was to stop paying high dollar rent, allowing us to use that money to instead operate the program.
If God gave you the vision, HE will make the provisions!
Success in the nonprofit sector is often about recognizing and harnessing moments of alignment. By understanding the timing, aligning yourself and your organization, identifying key supporters, and acting decisively during seasons of alignment, you can drive impactful change and achieve lasting success. As you continue on your journey, remember that synchronicity in my opinion is not about luck—it’s about preparation, meeting opportunity, and the courage to act when the time is right.
I have shared a couple of chapters from my book Dawn of a New Day, My Journey to Nonprofit Success because this is my testimony of how walking by faith, being obedient to the Lord, and listening to His direction will take you to the next level of your journey. It’s a testimony of how God will align everything that you need, as well as the people, and resources that you need to fulfill his vision for your work. I am a true testimony that if God gives you the vision HE will give you the provisions.
SUMMER
EDITORS ADVICE
SADIRA DAVIS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
HONOR AND RESPECT YOUR BODY.
In an era where celebrating yourself in natural form and respecting your body consistently is far too uncommon. Choose to do the opposite. Be intentional in honoring and respecting your body. Don’t let men “test drive” your best kept secrets (the cookies as I’ve heard them called), refuse to have sex outside of the marriage covenant. It’s not just godly to maintain abstinence until marriage, but it’s respectful to your body. There’s only ONE YOU and someone who has not determined that you are worth a lifetime doesn’t deserve to partake
SWITCH BUT DON’T QUIT!!!!
No matter what you have set your heart to do don’t let go of it IF it is something you know is a part of your future. For example, if you are trying to lose weight and are not having the success you desire, switch it up and find something that DOES work for you. It’s totally acceptable to modify a plan but just don’t quit altogether. As the old adage goes, “quitters NEVER win!”
of your treasures. That’s a form of piracy and defilement! Exercise… exercising is not just healthy but it is honoring your frame and a celebration of that which is carrying the “real you” the spirit and soul throughout your days on earth. Eating healthy live/real foods and not processed nutrient deficient foods is respectful to your body and it’s needs in the same way you only put gas in your car and not donuts or steaks. Choose good foods! Lastly, we all know vanity will never die, but don’t be obsessed with your body looking culturally and socially acceptable. Meaning, allow for a healthy uniquely beautiful frame and display of yourself versus severe body altering practices. I have no judgment for anyone who
KNOW YOUR WORTH
and you won’t waste time with things and/or people that don’t support your destiny and capacity. We have got to become OK with the thought and reality that it’s totally fine if something or someone doesn’t fit our lives. That reality doesn’t have to be conveyed in an unkind way and it doesn’t have to mean the thing or person in and of themselves are bad or lack their own value, it simply means it/them are not for you. So KNOW and move accordingly!
DO dream BIG but make sure it’s tied to you and your purpose!
chooses surgeries, cuts off their eyebrows to draw on some, wears lash extensions, wigs, or body garments. I myself have used certain methods to obtain a look I desired at certain times. However, I realized that the more I did those things the LESS I loved myself in natural form. I tended to be MORE critical of myself when comparing it to the altered form. So I’m not against it but I think we should be sensitive to anything that causes us to love or appreciate our natural selves less. Beautify responsibly!
Dream BIG,
but in relation to your own vision and purpose. Oftentimes when we are challenged to “dream bigger” “ask for bigger” “go big or go home” we gauge that in relation to someone else’s vision and vantage point, and not strictly in line with who we are and how we are trying to show up. Our “BIG” should be according to how and what God has made us for. DO dream BIG but make sure it’s tied to you and your purpose!
DAILY AFFIRMATIONS!
TALK positively to yourself. So many negative and perception altering things are coming at us daily that we also need to be sure to feed our souls with positive affirmation daily. Studies show that people who use positive affirmations regularly are more apt to have better self-esteem, reduced stress, greater self-regulation, broadened perspectives, more appropriate physical behaviors/choices, and make healthier life choices. Mold your mind and life choices with GOOD self talks!
BRAGGING RIGHTS
Following a vision…
In 2018, God presented me with a massive vision, which combined my desire to help others with my love of traveling the world. I realized there was an opportunity to take my family’s nonprofit organization House of Dawn, to global levels. House of Dawn has provided housing and supportive services for teen mothers, families, and their children since my mother had her vision in 1999. I had been supporting her mission all along, but now I knew my purpose was to make an impact globally.
The next step was to put the vision into action. House of Dawn, embraced the vision wholeheartedly. People came together to help with funding and all the logistics that ensued. Every roadblock was followed by a solution. Things kept aligning… even our multiple boxes of supplies garnered a free trip overseas. God was supporting us all the way! Synchrony!
Testifying, sharing what we have witnessed, of God’s amazing power and grace in our lives encourages others. It reminds us that no matter how bad a situation looks there IS HOPE with God. We can “boast in the Lord” or as the song writer said, “brag on Him!”
The Ghana trip impacted me as much as the community we served. I was more committed than ever to see this vision come to fruition, but I did need further clarity. I turned to God once again to ask for more guidance.
The answer was to start a blog. “A Humanitarian Overseas; Just a Girl Following Her Purpose” was created. I now could invite others to explore (and participate in) missions, diverse cultures, and a life of travels.
You’re either going to stay on the ground with the chickens or you’re going to soar like the eagles.
HOD Global was now a reality, and we completed our first successful foreign mission in Jamaica. As in many visions, the path is not always a straight line. Covid hit, and my dream was put on hold, but that setback only made the vision more powerful. In 2023 we accomplished our first Africa trip to Ghana, which was my dream come true.
As of now, our team has completed missions in Jamaica, Ghana, and Belize. Each mission had its challenges and has taught me so much. The rewards have been incredible and I need to pinch myself when I realize how many lives we have touched.
What I have learned through all of these missions and experiences, is to trust in God…and listen to his guidance. You will be provided for, both directly and indirectly. Everything will magically fall into place; many times in the oddest ways. Keep your vision strong and have faith. As time goes on, your confidence will grow and you will learn to be patient and go with the flow.
WHEN GOD GIVES YOU THE VISION, HE WILL GIVE YOU THE PROVISIONS!
Embracing my purpose has turned me into an unrecognizable woman. I hope to inspire you to follow your vision, even if the path is not always clear or direct.
I invite you to join my blog, https:// www.ahumanitarianoverseas.com/ to learn more about our missions and how to support us and/or become involved. Learning about new cultures and seeing life from a new perspective is rewarding and priceless.
Lastly, I am grateful for my family, especially my mother, who supported my vision from the start, and my aunt who gave me a quote while we were in Ghana, that I follow daily:
“You’re either going to stay on the ground with the chickens or you’re going to soar like the eagles”.
MEET THE GIRL BEHIND THE PURPOSE
Hello! I’m Dr. Bria Murray, and I am the CEO of A Humanitarian Overseas, I currently serve as the Global Ambassador and Director of Programs for the House of Dawn. My passion for humanitarian work and exploring diverse cultures has always been a driving force in my life.
Traveling has been an integral part of my life as well, allowing me to connect with people from different backgrounds and understand the unique challenges they face. As an ambassador, I strive to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and promote collaborative efforts to improve lives.
Ask the Experts
Let’s Talk About Your Next Home Purchase
Buying a home is typically the largest purchase one will ever make. If you have not traversed this road our real estate expert is here to provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
Valerie Whitman, has been a licensed Realtor for the past 7 years and currently hangs her license with RE/MAX Alliance Group in Gilbert, AZ. She prides herself with the ability to help her clients fire their landlords and achieve the American dream of homeownership. She is a Certified Negotiation Expert, relying on her intuition, asking the right questions, and hard work to get the best results for her clients. Valerie has developed the skills necessary to seamlessly take your deal from offer to close. One of Phoenix’s most referred Real Estate Agents; Valerie is driven by integrity, personalized care, and commitment to her clients’ best interests. These principles have allowed her to be a top producing agent over the last several years. 602-299-1980 | email:valerie@valeriewhitman.com home search: www.vmarshwhitman.remax.com | instagram: @sold.by.val
AQIs now a good time to purchase a home?
Whether now is a good time to purchase a home depends on several factors. There is no one-size-fitsall answer, but here are some key considerations to help you make an informed decision:
Savings: Do you have enough saved for a down payment? Typically, a 20% down payment is ideal to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) and to secure better loan terms. However FHA offers a 3.5% downpayment option, and if you are a Veteran, with a VA loan there is no downpayment.
Credit Score: A higher credit score can help you qualify for lower interest rates, and lower PMI if you are putting less than 20% down. Lenders like to see at least a 640.
Debt-to-Income Ratio: Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio to ensure you can afford your mortgage payments. Aim for a ratio below 43%.
Long Term Plan: You are planning to stay in the home for several years.
AQWhat happens if I purchase a home and the Real Estate market crashes?
No one has a crystal ball to determine if a crash is in the future, however as experts in the industry we look for key indicators to help us determine if the market is headed towards a shift. Currently the majority of the United States is dealing with a housing shortage, meaning there are just not enough homes for the number of people currently living in the US. #2 approx 40% of homes in the US do not have a mortgage and are owned outright (Bloomberg). #3 Foreclosures remain historically low. (NAR)
Should I wait until Interest rates drop to purchase a home?
A
History has shown us that low interest rates and low home inventory are the perfect recipe for a housing frenzy. Back in 2020 when rates were in the low 3’s we saw first-time homebuyers, with VA and FHA approved loans miss out on the opportunity to purchase due to the number of Cash and Large downpayment buyers in the market. We also saw home prices skyrocket upwards more than 20% during 2020 and 2021. Will this happen again if interest rates drop? Very likely, we are still dealing with an inventory shortage as well as homeowners who want to downsize or move up. If you are thinking about buying a home and can afford to do so with the current rates, this current market provides the most opportunities should interest rates drop, you will be able to take advantage of the lower interest rates by refinancing, and avoiding potential bidding wars.
AQCan I save money by purchasing a bank foreclosure?
Bank foreclosed properties are sold on the courthouse steps in most counties once a month. These are cash purchases with no warranties. Bank Financing is not an option. Many times the buyer does not have the opportunity to access the home, and they can only be viewed by driving by. While there could be some great savings with foreclosed homes, I caution first time home buyers to make sure they do their research. Purchasing a home via the traditional method provides the most protection and gives the buyer the ability to do their own due diligence and have the representation of a Realtor.
People who avoid their own feelings will neglect yours
Selah Moment
{Intentional Pause for Reflection}
Find the right word.
Pause. Take a moment. Have a little fun. Word Search
Success is in my mouth. Life and death are in the power of my tongue therefore I actively choose LIFE filled words, and consistently use my words for good. I trust God’s plans for me and align myself with His will (Prov 18:21).
God has called me to win and be successful. Therefore, I can do all things through him who gives me strength [for winning and success] (Phil 4:13).
I am flexible and prudent, releasing myself to be useful to God. I delight myself in the Lord, and he will give me the desires of my heart (Psalms 37:4).
Goodness and kindness flow from me freely towards all, but I refuse to conspire with those who do evil or delight in it. I am blessed because I do not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the company of mockers, but I cherish and find peace in the laws of God (Psalms 1:1-2).
Seeking the wisdom and mind of God in all my plans affords me great success. I commit to the Lord all that I do and he establishes my plan (Proverbs 16:3).
I handle my life, my time, my money, and my relationships responsibly so God keeps expanding my access. He says, “whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much (Luke 16:10).” My good stewardship causes abundant increase.
Since I acknowledge that success is God’s plan for me I will not shrink back or become paralyzed with fear. Instead, I declare, I will not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition [in faith], [and] with thanksgiving, I present my requests to God (Phil 4:6).
Keeping God at the forefront of my focus, my heart and mind, affords me access to his abundant gifts and capabilities. I remember the Lord [my] God, for it is he who gives me the ability to produce wealth (Deut 8:18).
Continually I will do, say, and think on God’s law securing unending success for my life. This book of the law will never escape its permanency from being on my tongue, but I will hold on to it by always reading and meditating on it day and night, so that I am careful to do everything in accordance with all that is written in it for in doing so I’m guaranteed to make my way prosperous and assured to be successful.
