Freedom in Christ

C L A S S Y

CE D HI I T AND I C

O G N E 1 M 2 S

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

Editor’s Note CLASSYANDCHIC GEMS MAGAZINE

Anita Ford

Editor-in-Chief

Will never stop providing content that is faith filled, insightful, inspiring and Christ centered.

With all that is going on in our world, we want to be a voice that points you to the cross and motivates to achieve your dreams. This month we are talking about freedom. What does freedom mean to you? Every creator has defined fear in a different way and I promise you that you will be blessed to read what they’ve created.

In this issue, we speak specifically about freedom and we bind fear, negative thoughts, and self doubt. As people, we have to realize that there is so much power found in knowing your worth in Christ. No matter what others think of us, it is important to realize that we are heee for such a time as this!

2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

EDITION 12

FREEDOM: FORGIVENESS IS THE FIBRE OF OUR BEING THAT TRANSFORMS US.

No one is immune to struggles, tribulations, hurtful situations or disappointments. Which is why God wanted us to walk in freedom and not bondage to the past. I believe forgiveness is the fibre in our being that transforms us from brokenness to wholeness. Yet, often times we hold on to a situation that we should’ve given to God a long time ago. Worrying often makes us captives to fear and offense. Often times, we don’t realize that there is so much freedom found in knowing when to let go. Forgive yourself for accepting less than you deserve.

Forgive those who couldn’t see your value. And, most of all, forgive those who took you for granted.

WRITTEN BY: ANITA FORD

At the end of the day, we all have a limited amount of time of this earth. You can spend your time getting better or being bitter...

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Choose to live in freedom. Choose to walk in love. Choose to dream big. Choose to speak confidently and reclaim what is yours. Your days are meant to be filled with goodness from above not pain from the past.

Freedom

Freedom is the air we breathe and the blessings that others pray for. We often must remember so many things about freedom. The education that we may think is not much is the dream of someone who wishes they could open a book. The house that we think is meager is a homeless person’s dream. The marriage that we think is not much to us is everything to someone who wishes and sheds tears at night hoping someone will love and accept them. The food choices that are commonplace to us are the heaven of people who have no options. The coming and going as we please is the wish of the incarcerated. The employment we possess even it may not take care of all of our needs is still the wish of someone who is looking to feed their families.

July 2022

We are allowed to speak and give our views. We are allowed to worship in the manner we choose. We can decide who we want to represent us. We can choose how to express ourselves. We are allowed to be friends with anyone from any walk of life. We can have a political affiliation we choose. Most of us want the same things but ideologies give us different approaches to the goal.

The things we take for granted are not commonplace throughout the world. Freedom is not free. Ask any teacher, doctor, first responder, veteran or service member. Freedom you Say? Freedom we love. Freedom we honor. Freedom we embrace. Freedom we pay forward.

Social media can be good in some ways and in other ways social media can be brutal. True freedom comes from knowing who you are and owning it. There is so much freedom found in knowing you are beautiful regardless of who claps for you.

When you put forth your most genuine, authentic self some people will love you and others won’t.

But, at the end of the day, none of that will matter. Always remember, you are a prize. You are valuable. You are whole just the way you are!

Freedom in 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! There is so much freedom found in know that 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. Bondage tells people that they will never make it through, but freedom in Christ reminds us that whom the Son has set free is free, indeed, 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. .

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Free to Be Your Beautiful Self

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

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FREEDOM FROM OPINIONS WRITTEN BY: ANITA FORD When I became a content creator 6 years ago, I wanted to create a space that was filled with authenticity and inspiration. I didn’t want to be like anyone else because I enjoy being who I was made to be. It’s vital not to let compliments go to your head and criticism get to your heart. Social media can be good in some ways and in other ways social media can be brutal. True freedom comes from knowing who you are and owning it. There is so much freedom found in knowing you are beautiful regardless of who claps for you. When you put forth your most genuine, authentic self some people will love you and others won’t. But, at the end of the day, none of that will matter. Always remember, you are a prize. You are valuable. You are whole just the way you are!

FAITH GEMS

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Freedom Written by: Anita Ford I love the fact that God makes us all unique and He also gives us talents and abilities that are specific to our particular calling in life. God has made me very comfortable in my own skin. I know who I am and I know who I’m not. But, most of all, I know where God wants me to be in the grand scheme of things. While the journey to finding your purpose may seem difficult at times, it’s important to never allow the voices of the world to confuse you.

The world wants everyone to be cookie cutter versions of each other. The world wants people to compete and compare.

The world wants people to assume the identity that doesn’t belong to them in order to be accepted. But, I take comfort in knowing what’s for me will always be for me, and what’s for someone else will always be for them.

As we walk through this unprecedented time, it is my prayer that we choose to walk through life with the freedom only God can provide. Though our world looks completely different now, it’s important for us to make the most of what we have in this moment. Navigating through our new normal and finding our own identity is essential. We must be able to show up for each other and pray for one another. Focus on the promises of God during this time. God will give you peace that surpasses all understanding and the confidence to move forward when He tells you to do so.

I encourage you to continue sharing your stories and spreading love and light during this time.

MENTAL HEALTH 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).

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“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?”

Free to Be Me I am lettin Blogger: Anita Ford

FASHION GEMS

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“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

Freedom in Friendships God gives us community to navigate through the trials and tribulations life brings our way. You do not have to walk through life alone. But, one of the hardest parts about developing a sense of community is being vulnerable to someone else.

Getting to know someone new may seem hard at first, but you never what God has in store for you by developing new a friendship.

Speaking of faithful friends, one of my favorite stories in the Bible is the story of Jesus Healing and Forgiving the Paralytic. Back in Jesus’ day the people came from all over to hear Jesus preach.

Imagine a massive crowd of people who came hungry to receive the word, but they were all inside a one or two room home. Since the architecture of homes was different in Jesus’ day, what a wonderful sight it must’ve been to see many people praising God despite the space of the building in which He was preaching. The news traveled all around and the people had heard of all the miracles Jesus was performing. The people were eager to enter a new phase of their lives and they knew Jesus could help them. Many people came to see Jesus so they could be set free of illnesses they had suffered from for many years. Right there in the middle of these wonderful souls seeking healing,we see a group of faithful friends who want to see their friend healed.

What I love most about this story is the friends saw all of the obstacles in their way, and they could’ve given up, but they chose to find a way. The friends knew there was no way they would be able to reach Jesus through the main floor of the building.

But, through faith and determination, the men decided to lower their friend down through the roof. Back in Jesus’ day the roofs were made of mud and leaves. Imagine the men digging their way through to make a hole in the roof so they would be able to lower their friend down to Jesus. In this moment, I can’t fathom how much gratitude the man must’ve possessed for his friends. They could’ve easily given spoke doubt into the situation, but they continued to move forward knowing that Jesus was going to heal their paralyzed friend. I believe it’s one thing to say you have faith, but something wonderful happens when you put faith into action. The rest of the story continues and true paralyzed man is healed and forgiven, but Jesus is also in awe of the faith his friends expressed during this time.

So, what do your friendships look like? Are they surface level? Are they deep? Are you willing to be a listening ear instead of a vessel filled with advice? Dig deep in your relationships. I encourage you to pray for your friends and family. The truth is, a lot of people you’re doing life with will not tell you everything they’re going through, and that’s where taking the time listen to the people you love comes into action. We are blessed to do life alongside many amazing people. My prayer is that you always realize every single person on this earth is a gift from God.

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

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