ClassyandChic Gems Magazine-Edition 12

C L A S S Y

CE D HI AND I T I C

O G N E 1 M 2 S

A note from our editor:

A N I T A A N N F O R D

Classyandchic Gems magazine offers an authentic look at life through believers who are perfectly imperfect and believe in the power of the Gospel.

God’s gifts are all around us, but it’s up to us to recognize them.

This month, we are delving deep into a topic that many people do not discuss.

Fear is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to cripple you as a person. The devil uses fear tactics when he can’t distract from your dreams.

He will also send people your way to discourage and deter you from your destiny. In fact, the devil doesn’t know how you’re still standing after all he’s thrown your way, but God does! You have to promise yourself that no matter what, you will always keep your eyes on the prize and continue to stand.We serve a God that will always see us through. You are a WARRIOR!

Mental Health Gems-Anita Ford Faith Gems-Shanice Chatlin Military Family Gems-Carolyn Ford Faith Gems-Anita Ford Beauty Gems-Joann Aguauo Restoration Gems-Reginal Lyerly Fashion Gems-Anita Ford Self Care Gems-Alvin Ford, SR Photography Gems- Aerospace Engineer, Professional Photographer-Alvin Ford,Jr

Many thanks to all the creators who give of their time and talents to the magazine every month. You are appreciated!

“What Do We Have to Fear?”

By Reginal G. Lyerly ​ ear is a normal emotion that all of us have. Nothing brought this out more than F when the COVID-19 Pandemic reached global proportions. The question that most of us askedourselves and each other was “What Do We Have to Fear?” In this case, it was fear of the unknown. Not knowing how this would affect us all. Not knowing the lasting effects of such a global phenomenon.

Of course, fear never has to be as catastrophic as a pandemic. We have all fears every day. Many of us have fear of failure. Some have the fear of success. Some of us have the fear of commitment. It is all in how we respond to those fears. Of course, once it is obsessive then it becomes a phobia. Phobia is defined as persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation.

In sales psychology, the F.O.M.O-“the fear of missing out” is often used to remind someone to buy a product or service that is needed or wanted. In some relationships, the fear of being alone sometimes will prompt someone to select a less than suitable mate to avoid a lifetime of solitude. In society, the fear of a bad reputation forces most of us to abide by a set of ethics, laws and or a moral code. In some religions, the fear of eternal damnation causes a group of people to abide by scriptural references while living by a certain set of ideals and displayingcharacter embodying the best representation.

Fear can also give us the motivation that we need to provide for our loved ones or protect them from harm. Fear can also motivate warriors to fight battles against insurmountable odds. Fear can give us a conscience to do what we know is right regardless of the consequences. Fear can help us to avoid making hasty decisions. Fear can also guard us from truly dangerous situations for all of the right reasons.

Fear can have positive and negative associations. We can all agree that is a powerful emotion that usually results in some kind of response. So the real question is not just “What Do We Have to Fear?” Let us also ask ourselves “How will I use this fear?”

FAITH GEMS

Overcomers Written by: Shanice Chatlin Photo Credit: Brianna Alexander Photography

IN 2 TIMOTHY 1:7, THE WORD TELLS US THAT “HE DOES NOT GIVE US THE SPIRIT OF FEAR, BUT OF POWER, LOVE AND A SOUND MIND.” WHEN WE WALK BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT [2 CORINTHIANS 5:7], WE ARE ABLE TO OVERCOME THE FEARS THAT THE ENEMY THROWS OUR WAY. BEING THAT WE ARE HUMAN, AT TIMES FEAR SETTLES IN TELLING US THAT WE CANNOT OVERCOME CHALLENGING OBSTACLES THROWN OUR WAY. WHEN WE BEGIN TO TRUST THAT GOD IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS AND THAT HE WILL DO WHAT HE SAYS HE WILL DO, WE CAN OVERCOME FEAR. FEAR THAT WAS SENT TO DESTROY OUR FAITH. WE ARE OVERCOMERS THROUGH HIS WORD. THROUGHOUT THIS PANDEMIC, RECESSION, AND UNCERTAINTY IN THE WORLD, GOD WILL PLANT HIS CHILDREN, HIS PRIESTS ON HIGHER GROUNDS AND HE WILL SHOW US GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS. FEAR IS A TACTIC FROM THE ENEMY TRYING TO TAKE OUT THE CHILDREN OF GOD, BUT WE ARE VICTORIOUS THROUGH CHRIST. STAND STRONG THROUGH FAITH AND THE WORD, BELIEVING THAT WE CAN SEE THIS THROUGH WITH HIS HELP. HE WILL NEVER FAIL US IF WE TURN TO HIM THROUGH ANY FEAR OR DIFFICULTY WE MAY FACE IN LIFE.

ICLASSYANDCHIC GEMS

Fears Written by: Anita Ford

MENTAL HEALTH GEMS

I ran into someone the other day that I hadn't seen in 10 years. It just so happened she heard my voice and walked around to see if she could find me.. Upon finding me, she said, "Anita, I could have been in a crowded room and heard your voice... I still would have known immediately that you were close by."I began thinking about how God hears our voice...He knows our fears, concerns, requests, and most of all, He continues to give us JOY in life altering circumstances.

It's a beautiful thought knowing the Father never gets tired of hearing from His children. I love the way God gives us beauty for ashes.. We all face altering situations, but one thing remains the same..There's always something to smile about even in the darkest of days. God is bigger than anything we could ever face in this life.

ClassyandChic Gems Magazine

“Let’s Work Together” By Reginal G. Lyerly ​Most of us say to our family or team of people “Let’s Work Together”. Let us look at the word collaboration. Collaboration comes from Latin: com-“with” + laborate “to labor or to work”. It is defined as the process of two or more people, entities or organizations working together to complete a task or achieve some kind of goal. Usually, the result is to have a shared outcome.

Some of us are interested in healthy competition. Let us look at the word competition. The Latin word for competition is “competere”. From Late Latin, the word is “competitionem”meaning rivalry or in Classical Latin “agreement”. It is defined as the action of seeking or endeavoring to gain what another is endeavoring to gain at the time.

We have the definitions of collaboration and competition well established. We often see competition where there should be collaboration and collaboration where there should be competition. Some could attribute this to one’s self worth and what they value as important. This often causes one to see those who are best for collaboration as competitors and the reverse.

The best analogy to describe type of thing is the “crab in the bucket” complex. Better known as the crab theory which is best described by the phrase “If I can’t have it, then neither can you”.

The thing that is so interesting about this analogy is that there is no lid on the bucket and there is ample opportunity for everyone to leave the bucket. The only ones who don’t know it are the crabs.

In so many aspects, we should work together but compete instead. This outlook has societal origins making it much easier to enforce than to discourage unnecessary competition. Why can’t we “work together” again? The phrase and the origins illustrate why this will be an age old topic.

Restoration Gems

GROWTH IS A MINDSET WRITTEN BY: ANITA FORD

Life is all about growth. And, we are all built from the fires we’ve walked through in this life. But, the one commonality about all of our journeys is that we serve a God who is constant. We don’t serve a God who is there for us one day and leaves us the next. God knew we would all have fears, walk through hardships and experience pain. But, He also wants us to be cognizant of the fact that He is our Way Maker. And, I don’t know about you, but I’m thankful I serve a God who steps in when I’m doubted and places His favor on my life.

No matter how many fears the devil tries to place within our spirit, God is still there.

Growth is a tool that will help you ignore the naysayers and continue moving forward because you know that what God has in store for you is better than what anyone else can speak over your life.

FAITH GEMS

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He is our Refuge in Times of Trouble By: Anita Ford

One of the greatest examples in the Bible of a man who had life changing faith is David. First, David wasn’t afraid to face Goliath. He was younger and smaller in stature, but Goliath’s intimidation tactics didn’t work on David. Second, David was confident. David’s job as a shepherd equipped him to be confident when facing Goliath. How different would things look in our lives if we entered life altering situations with a confident mindset instead of a negative mindset? Third, David was prepared, He went to fight Goliath with a slingshot and five smooth stones in hand. Turns out, David only needed one stone to defeat Goliath. Fourth, David didn’t trust in his abilities, He trusted in God. When we trust God, we know everything will work out for the good in our lives. Fifth, David turned his victories over to the Lord. He knew the battle wasn’t his. The victory in this battle would soon prove to the people the mighty power God has in our lives. David could’ve thought about all of the reasons why he couldn’t possibly defeat Goliath, but instead, David knew the Lord was with Him. God will fight all of our battles; all we have to do is trust in Him. As people, we have situations that seem like giants in our lives. Giants of fear, sickness, condemnation, loneliness, and insecurity, but what a delight it is knowing we serve a God who never fails. God’s faithfulness in the past is the basis for our strength in the present. David remembered God’s faithfulness and it gave him courage. Another passage that comes to mind when facing trials and tribulations is, 1 Peter 5:10-And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. We serve a God, who is our way maker. God is our refuge and strength and our help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

MENTAL HEALTH GEMS

Beauty How do you incorporate color into your summer makeup routine?

Connect with Joann via social media on Facebook and Instagram at @jcindyraguayo.

BEAUTY GEMS

Classyandchic Gems Magazine

Bold Pieces Blogger: Anita Ford

I find it humbling that God would take an introvert like myself and place me in a calling where I would not only have to speak in front of many people, but I also have to be bold when I speak the words He gives to me. I love the way God stretches us… Fear has no place in my life. At the end of the day, God molds us.. He reminds us daily that we must rely on Him.. Each day we must raise our shield of faith and ignore the voices of the world that try to distract us from our calling..We are called to a greater purpose in this life.

Keep pressing toward the prize! .

FASHION GEMS

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FAITH GEMS

I Am Who God Says I Am I Am Who God Says I Am Written by Anita Ford Love and hate cant occupy the same space Comparison is the thief of joy. There is a reason the rear view mirror is small, because you should spend most of your time looking forward.

Repeat after me…

I am enough.

Everything I've been through has made me into a beautiful person.

I refuse to let the world change me.

I do not have to fear.

I am strong.

I am capable.

I am loved.

Living someone else's life won't make me happy.

I choose to live out the life that was planned for me.

Chaos and peace can not exist in the same space.

I will continue to send love into the world even when it seems like there is chaos on every side.

I will be who God has called me to be.

I am who God says I am.

ClassyandChic Gems Magazine

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Uncertain Times-Written by Alvin Ford SR Photography by: Alvin Ford Photography It’s no secret that uncertain times reveal fears in our lives. And, unfortunately many people are going through periods of feeling lonely, forgotten, unlovable, helpless, or even feeling like a complete failure.The world says you'll never make it, but God sees the best in you! God knows your potential and He loves you right where you are in your life. It’s important to always realize that every person who goes through something in this life has the choice to become bitter or better. The bad breaks you've experienced were setups for breakthroughs that are about to happen in the future. Its time for you to stand up, dust yourself off, and try again. Keep on praying, keep on standing, keep on believing. See yourself as happy, strong, rich in love and peace, forgiven, and restored! You are loved and greatly treasured by the Father.

ICLASSYANDCHICGEMS FAITH GEMS

There's something incredibly special about the way that God shows you your purpose in this life. He places a dream in your heart and allows that dream to grow until it becomes a reality. Your dreams are given to you because you are wise enough to work hard to obtain your dreams.

Often times, the devil wants to fill your mind with fear so that you will not work towards your goals.

Growth is essential in this life because you are not destined to stay the same.

You are meant to flourish and change the world around you. The pressure you feel around you is meant to catapult you to greatness. Don’t give up!

Writer:Carolyn Ford MILITARY FAMILY GEMS

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Author Spotlight .

Financial Gems

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UNSHAKEABLE FAITH IS THE PRODUCT OF TRIALS AND TRIBULATION S THAT HAVE CHANGED PEOPLE FOR THE BETTER. INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER ANITA FORD