Spotlight Sister Magazine January 2024

SPOTLIGHT SISTER January 2024

Magazine THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

SHE LAUGHS Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at days to come SCULPTING REAL ESTATE SUCCESS

Breaking the Silence of Systemic Racism and Injustice in Corporate America

HAPPY NEW YEAR

JACQUELINE THOMPSON Through Loss and Resilience REMEMBERING THE DREAM: DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR

CONTENTS Regular Feature Letter from the Editor

Article Contributors Dr. Cheryl Peavy Jacqueline Thompson Andrea Merriman Linda Geter Laquita Hogan Celeste Pinckney Dr. Stacia Alexander

Where Pause Meets Power, Stories Unfold, and Women’s Resilience Takes Center Stage

SPOTLIGHTSISTERMAGAZINE

Embrace the new year with purpose and grace, painting the canvas of 2024 with the brushstrokes of intention and elegance.

Editor’s Note

May this new year be a canvas for God’s plan in your life, filled with love, grace, and peace.

Let’s embark on this journey together, encouraging each other to live purposefully and with a heart devoted to what truly matters.

Wishing you a successful new year, Proverbs 16:3: Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

SPOTLIGHTSISTERMAGAZINE

Dr. Cheryl Peavy Editor-in-Chief

JANUARY 2024 | ISSUE 1

Purposeful Graceful Intentional

As we step into the dawn of a new year, let’s shift our focus from fleeting resolutions to enduring goals aligned with our divine purpose. Instead of making promises we may not keep, let’s commit our plans to the Lord, seeking His guidance and wisdom Pause, pray, and ask God for your word of the year whether it’s peace, resilience, or perseverance.

Seek His direction for the journey ahead, embracing a monthly approach rather than overwhelming annual resolutions.

In the intricate dance of life, Spotlight Sister Magazine gracefully took a pause in 2022, navigating the challenges that unfolded with the arrival of Covid.

Life’s twists and turns may have momentarily dimmed our spotlight, but now, with resilience burning bright, we’re relighting the flame

Spotlight Sister Magazine is more than a publication; it’s a celebration of extraordinary women shaping their communities.

As we resurrect our platform, we invite you to share your journeys, your triumphs, and your challenges. Let this letter be a testament to the strength that resides in each of you Life’s battles may try to steal our spotlight, but together, we stand resilient, motivating, inspiring, and pushing through. With each story we share, we amplify the voices of women who refuse to be silenced.

Welcome back to Spotlight Sister Magazine - a beacon of empowerment, resilience, and unwavering purpose.

May these pages inspire you to continue pushing forward, no matter what life throws your way.

Amidst the chaos, we all navigated diverse paths, some forging ahead, others taking a pause, and sadly, some souls leaving us.

Yet, in this intricate journey of life, each step tells a story of growth, resilience, and unwavering purpose.

With love and determination,

Dr. Cheryl Peavy - Editor in chief

I Have A Dream

THEY WILL NOT BE JUDGED BY THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN BUT BY THE CONTENT OF THEIR CHARACTERMLK As January unfolds, we pay tribute to the iconic Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a visionary leader whose impact resonates through the ages. Reflecting on my own journey, I recall hearing about him, perhaps at home or in school history classes. Yet, it wasn’t until adulthood that the profound significance of his life’s work truly moved me Dr. King’s committment to bridge the racial divide is a testament to his extraordinary courage and sacrifice. Hisfamous words, ‘I have a dream,’ echo in our hearts, envisioning a world where people are not judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

As we celebrate his birthday, let’s not merely honor an a historical figure but internalize the values he championed.

His dream persists, urging all of us to reflect on the progress the world has made and the distance we’ve yet to travel. In a world where challenges are very persist, his teachings remains a guiding light.

Dr. King’s I have a dream serves as a beautiful poignant reminder that courage and conviction can spark transformative change. Let us honor his memory by always fostering love, peace, unity care, understanding, and commitment to justice. As we navigate the complexities of our time, may we draw inspiration from his forever long-lasting legacy and strive for a world where his dream becomes a shared reality. May his dream continue to guide us toward a future where we all stand toward a future where we stand together, not as black, white, or brown, but as one family God created.

Written by Dr. Cheryl Peavy

Magazine Pages 05

I believe the thirty-first chapter of Proverbs is one of the most quoted chapters in the Bible for women. This chapter puts a new meaning to the term, a woman’s work is never done, and I find it inspirational, fascinating, fearful at times and a host of other emotions when I strive to measure up. It is a chapter that I embrace in hope during the most traumatic times of my life.

Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at days to come.

(Proverbs 31:25 TLV)

believe that motherhood is one of the best ways to bring the joy of laughter into a woman’s heart. A mother will find the strength to leave an abusive relationship because she wants to see her child/children have a life free of violence.

Her strength comes because she searched for it. Whether we strive for the strength to leave or for the strength to stay, that focus will be where we succeed. What we think and vision in our minds, ismanifested in our lives. To bring that vision into existence we must want it bad enough to touch it. My Mother has been the rock of my life. She is a great listener, shares her wisdom and will hold me accountable. I can always depend on that from her, and I understand how I came from a humble beginning. We never went hungry or without daily necessities, yet we were not in the upper one percent. We weren’t rich but it never stopped my Mother from instilling in me, good morals, and ethics. When I think of the Proverbs 31 Woman, I envision my Mother. She taught me to love God, love myself and to share that love with others. She taught me dignity. May is a month that we get to honor our mothers but let’s not forget to honor ourselves. Take some time this month to revisit your goals. Pray on these goals and vision them so deeply you can reach out with your hands and touch them.

Rather you’re living in a toxic relationship or living in the comfort of a great relationship, create goals and make them happen. If you are a mother, talk to your children about setting their own goals. Listen tentatively and please do not project your missed goals on them. Allow yourself and your children to dream.

Believe what you cannot see and act in faith that God’s plan for you and your children will manifest. Meditate on His goodness, pray ferventlyand allow His Spirit to guide you. It is through your obedience will you find laughter.

A Proverbial Woman can laugh at the future because she has the upper hand. She knows where her strength comes from and cancarry herself with dignity and poise. She is confident that the plans she has in place are in alignment with the plans God willed for her life Written by Andrea Merriman. www.andreamerriman.com

Author Showcase Celeste Pinckney Embark on a transformative journey with Celeste Pinckney, the compassionate founder of ‘Bee By Your Side Bereavement Concierge Service’ and an Amazon international bestselling author. In her latest masterpiece, ‘The Chocolate Box: Bite-Size Pieces of Grief,’ Celeste artfully intertwines the metaphor of savoring life’s moments with navigating the complexities of loss.

As Celeste guides readers through understanding their feelings and coping with emotions, she encourages us to embrace life’s profound journey.

The poignant insights from her new book, ‘The Chocolate Box: Bitter, Sweet Pieces of Bite-Size Grief,’ serve as a testament to her role as a certified grief coach and a beacon of understanding.

Celeste Pinckney in this month exclusive author showcase of Spotlight Sister

The Elephant In The Room BREAKING THE SILENCE OF SYSTEMIC RACISM AND INJUSTICE IN CORPORATE AMERICA BY COACH JACGUELINE 2020! The year that a pandemic (COVID-19) interrupted our daily lives in addition to the beginning of a longoverdue conversation that initiated dialogue about racism and injusticebetween peers, leaders, and organizations. I remember it so clear; the day George Floyd’s death became a disturbing global event. In all my thirty plus years in Corporate America, I had never witnessed a degree of interest on a subject related to police brutality become so intense, challenging, and much needed now that it was becoming a global movement. One that we could no longer ignore. One that was demanding that we all do our part. One that was impacting employees, customers, communities, and the world. What started out as anger around the world quickly dissolved into “It’s Time” that this blatant type of behavior come to a halt!

I recall visiting Minnesota after the death of George Floyd to participate in a memorial for not just him but for so many others who were killed at the hands of someone who was hired to serve and protect. Police brutality in other words. I remember how emotional I became when I saw the exact sight where he took his last breath. All the flowers and cards and photos that expressed love and not hate. There was even a memorial grave built to show all the loves ones that families lost, .and an entire street filled with their names

My participation was so that my grandchildren would one day understand the significance of their MiMi’s advocacy for justice and equality for people of color, especially black men, women and even children. I later visited Washington DC for the Commitment March with my nieces and sister to be a part of the change we want to see Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech among many other great civil rights leaders paved the way and opened doors for many of us to have better jobs, more freedom, better education, economic rights and even what we hoped to be an end to racism but it’s time to pass the torch on to our next generation to break the silence because racism, injustice, unequal employment, unequal housing, unequal education, is still prominent in 2021! Some states are up-close-and-inyour-face when it comes to these things and some hide behind close doors. The greater concern is the impact of rising tension, frustrations and even emotional outburst among peers and leaders in their own circle who show up to work everyday wanting to talk about it but not knowing how. Not until immediately .after George Floyd’s death

How can we continue having these necessary conversations to educate and provide resources for

those impacted and those that do not know

what to do? We show up and do our part! Participate in the conversations that we hear about on our jobs.

We have a right to respectfully voice our concerns.

Utilize the resources that are provided to us (I’ve listed some below) or do our own research Get involved with company advocacy on cultural affairs that matter to you. Get involved outside of work like in your own communities, at church or find events that speak to what matters to you in your city. Although there are many corporations Those extremely difficult conversations to address the emotions of those personally impacted started happening. It was the beginning of more listening, more empathy and better understanding. People were now starting to feel our pain and it was unfortunate that an incident of this caliber brought about bottledup emotions that had been lingering on way too long. People are finally being fed up with

police brutality in our communities and the

lack of leadership accountability. Anger, Frustration and Mourning were now at a surface level that could not be hidden any more. It was not just the black

onboard for change, there is still a great deal of people who will not accept a heart change for racism, equality, or justice. However, through our actions, we can be a force for change and live up to the highest ideals of equality and justice. Here, I sharesome read esources that I received to help you and me stay woke Let’s move forward respectfully having difficult but important conversations. It’s time to be effective allies making certain that our discussions and actions come from a place of love, knowledge and understanding

Podcasts

was the world standing upand feeling some of the

Intersectionality Matters Pod for Cause Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast

same emotions that black Americansfight with

Books to Read

daily. Now, was the time to come together to find

the Warmth of the sun cast One night in miami

community that was being impacted but now it

solutions on building change that many of us want now and need to see We knew head on that this topic would be uncomfortable forthose who lacked in understanding, but I was proud to see how the CEO’S and other leaders at the company that I work for stood up with a plan to end systemic racism and inequality in the corporate environment. Within days, I saw other corporations follow suit and now I’m relieved to see that many leaders have programs withing their organizations on creating an inclusive culture. So where do we go from here?

Ted Talks on Racial Equality and Justice ted.com/topics/race Films, Documentaries and Series American Son Hidden Figures Sylvie’s Love Just Coach Jacqueline Penned Just Write LLC www.pennedjustwrite.com Social Media Platforms: Facebook, Instagram Twitter as @justcoachjacqueline Email: justcoachjacqueline@gmail.com pennedjustwrite@gmail.com

Coping With Covid COVID-19 has played a significant role in our lives.

Many of us are dealing with challenges that have been stressful, overwhelming, which has caused many emotions in adults and children.

CDC guidelines, such as social distancing, have been necessary to reduce the spread of the virus, but the downfall can make us feel isolated, lonely and increase the level stress and anxiety we may already have.

Education on how to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, your love ones and thoseyou are around become more resilient.

The following are things caused by stress: Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests Difficulty concentrating and making decisions Difficulty sleeping or nightmares

It is normal to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during the pandemic. We have all been affected in some way and seek for when we will have normalcy . again • Here is a list of the main groups for mental disorder: • mood disorders (such asdepression or bipolar disorder)

Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes

• anxiety disorders

Worsening of chronic health problems

• psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia)

Worsening of mental health conditions

• eating disorders

Increased use of alcohol, controlled substances, and tobacco.

• personality disorders

• trauma-related disorders (such as post-traumatic stress disorder) • Substance Abuse Disorders

Alleviating Stress: 1 . Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including what may be on social media. It’s good to be informed but hearing about the pandemic and seeing negativity constantly can be upsetting. Try limiting the news to just a few times a day and taking a break from phones, tv, and computer screens.

2 . Take care of your body by taking deep breaths, stretching, eating a well- balanced meal, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, avoid overusing tobacco and alcohol, continue all regular preventatives recommended by your healthcare provider. Get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine when available, to lessen your immune system of being vulnerable to the virus.

3 . Make time to unwind by doing activities you and the family enjoy at home.

4 . Attend church or faith-based organizations. While social distancing measures are in place, connect online, social media, or via phone

Taking care of yourself will help you to take care of others. While we are still social distancing, it is important to stay connected with your close friends and family. By helping others deal with stress through phone calls or video chats, it can lessen the feeling of being lonely or isolated. If you are struggling to cope, there are many ways to get help.

Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row. When stress becomes extreme, people may have thoughts of suicide. Suicide is and can be preventable when help is available immediately. Watch for signs and learn how to respond if you notice them in yourself, a friend or a loved one.

Stay Positive, Laquita Hogan

UNVEILING THE RESILENT SOUL OF

Jacqueline Thompson In the relaunch of Spotlight Sister Magazine, we proudly present Coach Jacqui as our inspiring cover feature.

Behind her warm smile and unwavering spirit lies a remarkable woman who has weathered the storm of unimaginable loss over the past two years.

In this special edition, we delve into the profound journey of resilience that Jacqui, also known as Coach Jacqui, has undertaken. Losing a child is an indescribable pain, a heart-wrenching journey that requires navigating through a complex maze of emotions. Yet, Jacqui faced this unimaginable loss with a strength that goes beyond words.

Within a year, she encountered another wave of sorrow, bidding farewell to her beloved mother. To lose a guiding light, a source of unconditional love, is a profound experience that reshapes one’s existence. Jacqui, however, has not merely endured; she has

Known as Coach Jacqui, she has not just put one foot in front of the other-she’s danced through the storm Embracing grief’s bedrock, Jacqui shows up daily, not only physically but with a heart full of love, grace, and unwavering faith. Her resilience is not just a concept but a living testament that challenges the very essence of adversity.

As we celebrate Jacqui’s strength and tenacity, it’s important to recognize the multifaceted nature of her journey.

Transitioning from the pain of losing a child to adapting to life without her mother, Jacqui’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome even the darkest of times.

“What’s YOUR Fight Story? What Round are you on?”

Jacqui’s story is not just about loss; it’s about the strength to choose to rise. In the face of life-altering circumstances, she has become a ray of light, an example of what it means to overcome. As we turn the pages of this magazine, let Jacqui’s journey inspire us to find our own resilience in the midst of life’s storms.

Join us in celebrating Jacqui, not just as a cover feature but as a beacon of hope and strength. In her story, we find the power to rise, to dance through our own storms, and to emerge stronger on the other side.

As we honor Jacqueline in the pages of this magazine, let her resilience be an inspiration for us all. Her story challenges us to find strength in the darkest moments and reminds us that, even in our most challenging times, we have the power to choose to rise. Here’s to you, Jacqueline Thompson, and the enduring legacy of resilience that graces the heart of Spotlight Sister Magazine.

“Think of the Fight that Life is taking you through right now, and go throug each round, knowing tha God’s Word is your Boxing Gloves.” 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 / Fight with purpose and direction.

A FAITHFUL APPROACH TO REAL ESTATE EXCELLENCE

Welcome, readers! Today, we have the pleasure of diving into the unique world of real estate with the incredible Linda Geter.

Linda, could you start by sharing how your Christian faith infuses your real estate approach?

Linda Geter: Absolutely! It’s a joy to be here. My Christian faith is not just a part of my life; it’s the compass guiding my journey in real estate. I believe in conducting transactions with integrity, honesty, and love, all rooted in biblical principles like Proverbs 11:1, which reminds us of the Lord’s favor in accurate dealings.

Inspirational, Faith- Driven, Professional Spotlight Sister Magazine: Fascinating! How does your faith shape your perspective on property transactions?

Linda Geter: Well, as a Christian, I see property transactions through the lens of biblical principles of fiscal responsibility and stewardship.

Proverbs 24:3–4 inspires me to seek a wise home, appreciating its worth and long-term effects. Every decision is made in alignment with God’s guidelines for good stewardship.

Spotlight Sister Magazine: That’s a thoughtful approach. You mentioned the importance of openness and truthfulness. How do these principles play out in your day-to-day interactions?

Linda Geter: Openness and truthfulness are non-negotiable in all my interactions. Proverbs 11:3 and Ephesians 4:25, emphasizing integrity and speaking truthfully, form the foundation for trustworthy interactions. It’s about building relationships grounded in honesty.

Spotlight Sister Magazine: Your commitment to integrity is inspiring. How do you distinguish yourself in the real estate sector through your faith?

Linda Geter: My steadfast adherence to integrity, influenced by Proverbs 11:3, sets me apart. I strive to combine professionalism and faith, guided by Psalm 37:23, which speaks of the Lord directing the steps of the godly and delighting in every detail of their lives.

Spotlight Sister Magazine: Communication seems crucial in your approach. How do you ensure it aligns with your Christian values?

Linda Geter: Communication is key, and I follow Ephesians 4:29, ensuring my words build up and give grace. Proverbs 15:22 guides me to seek counsel, and I provide prompt updates to foster a community, grounding my strategy in biblical wisdom and grace.

Spotlight Sister Magazine: Wonderful insights! Lastly, how does your faith guide you in negotiating moral conundrums within the real estate industry Linda Geter: Philippians 4:8 inspires me to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Even in challenging situations, my commitment to virtue, driven by Proverbs 11:1, reflects my steadfast faith.

Spotlight Sister Magazine: Linda, thank you for sharing how your faith profoundly

Contact Information lindageter.chime.me

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influences your real estate approach. Your blend of professionalism and commitment to biblical principles is truly remarkable.

GOALS ARE IMPORTANT Dr. Stacia Alexander Thank you for allowing Spotlight Sister Magazine the opportunity to speak with you about Mental Health which has always been an issue within the Black Community. It was not discussed in my family growing up and it’s time to share with our readers about the importance of understanding what Mental Health is and what it isn’t. Too often, Mental Health is portrayed as something wrong with a person mentally when there’s so much more to it. When life becomes difficult to handle, I’m a firm believer that an outlet should be available to release emotions that would heal our mental being. Our candid interview with Dr. Stacia Alexander will shed some light on why Mental Health is Important.

“There is a lot in between that needs to be addressed and our goals don’t care meaning Goals Don’t Have Feelings. Since they don’t have feelings, we need to deal with them so we can continue to reach our goals”

Success Strategist

I can say that mental health advocacy has been a blessing in my life. And the gift of helping others overcome experiences which limit their peace is still a passion which I am able to provide in my office near downtown Dallas or via virtual sessions.

You are America’s #1 Success Strategist Dr. Stacia Alexander. Can you share more about yourself?

Personally, I am a Christian woman who is living life to the fullest alongside my husband of 28 years. We have raised two plus a bonus children who are living their lives independently. I belong to a beautiful and large family that I absolutely adore and am certain are the reason why I can live so boldly now - they have always been supportive.

As America’s #1 Success Strategist, I incorporate the tenets of psychological practices to help people develop exceptional strategies to enhance their quality of life in four quadrants; professional, relationships, spiritual and self-care. 72% of women experienced burn-out last year and that is highly related to ineffective lifestyle management tactics that severely compromise their well-being.

My program, The Emotionality of Success Strategy Cohort, recognizes the components of the journey to success that do not receive the attention they deserve especially considering how much of an impact it has on the trajectory of our lives. Many people receive training and guidance on building skill sets to prepare for their chosen industry as well other auxiliary skills to complement their growth. Professionally, I have worked in the mental health field my entire adult life.

Consequently, professional mentoring overshadows the need for emotional regulation and management during the same journey. Rarely do people maneuver through their experiences without having some emotional challenges along the way. I provide training and consultations to aide in developing programming and assistance to not only identify but to also assist successful people manage the emotional experiences associated with growth to achieve goals in the professional, relationships, spiritual and self-care areas of their lives You are Founder and Executive Director of Positive Influences. Can you share more about Positive Influences?

I founded Positive Influences in 1998 when I made the decision that I wanted to be a mom more than I wanted to be a counselor.

The clinic I was working in required me to keep 10 hour days just to manage my caseload and my management duties. I resigned and opened up my office and scheduled my clients between 10 am and 3 pm so that I could take my kids to school and pick them up. Over the years, more clinicians joined and grew it to the practice it is today. We have helped over 17,000 people over the years and it has been a journey. Currently, I operate all of the programs out of one location and many of them are virtual because of the pandemic.

Can you share with our readers what is Mental Health? With over 20 years of experience why do you think people are afraid of seeking help? Mental health is different from mental illness and the more people understand this the less afraid they will be of seeking help. Just as we promote wellness in all other areas; physical, dental, optometry, we should do the same for our emotional and cognitive well- being.

Mental health is preventative care. Mental illness is crisis care or maintenance. I encourage everyone to find a therapist and have them in their resource bank just as they all of their other providers

As we are still dealing with the pandemic, have you seen an increase of mental stress with children? Is there any advice you can share with a parent to look any signs that their child needs to speak with a counselor? Children are having an emotional response to the trauma of the pandemic and the racial crisis in America. Their responses may be different but they are feeling the surge of heightened energy in their communities and sometimes their homes. In homes, families need to have emotional discussions with their children that extend beyond, “How are you doing?” If their children are displaying significant changes in mood, behaviors, and routines, then it is wise to talk with their physician and likely a therapist. I think women are more readily to seek help vs men. Is this true? Women are more receptive to health care overall. We are finding more men are accessing counselling services as we normalize it in our communities.

Why is emotional important? and mental wellness I am open about my faith. While I do not beat people over the head with scripture or lay hands on them during a session, I am up front about being a Christian. So, if they want to include a spiritual exploration into their counseling experiences, I am willing to do so. I love your perspective of how you help people identify areas that are robbing them of peace and help get them on the path of healing and wellness.

Can you share one tip that can help one on their way to healing? While it is hard to condense it into one or two statements, I will encourage people to stop ignoring those things that cause them extreme levels of discomfort or frustration. I’ve been known to say, “If you choose to stay, you lose the right to complain,” as a prompt to people to make a choice about that one that that is giving them the blues. Understanding the role of choice in life in an empowering construct because so many people feel powerless to choose.

Your Talk Show Goals Don’t Have Feelings can you share more about your show? This was formed as an outlet of my work I do with The Emotionality of Success.

People will set a goal and fail to consider all that it will take out of them emotionality to reach the goal because they are so focused on the outcomes. There is a lot in between that needs to be addressed and our goals don’t care - meaning Goals Don’t Have Feelings. Since they don’t have feelings, we need to deal with them so we can continue to reach our goals. How can others connect with you? I am on all of the major social media platforms; instagram, facebook, youtube, tiktok, linkedin, soundcloud and clubhouse under @DrStaciaAlexander. I have three websites: StaciaAlexander.com, EmotionalityofSuccess.com, and PositiveInfluences.com. And finally, ladies should join my private facebook group of over 2200 women called The Emotionality of Success.

Friend me and we will get you admitted into the group to talk about the different quadrants of life highlighting Emotionality of Success