Issuu

Another year to celebrate the survival of being an entrepreneur and persevering for 11 years. Yes pressing toward the mark. What seems like a blur over the past year was the opportunity to meet an assortment of people from across the state. I intentionally spent more time concentrating in the Triangle area reacquainting with old friends.

Editorial

T h e year consisted of partnering with the Southern Women’s Show, Artsplosure, The Justice Theater Project, WIDU Radio and Malls of America. Through nonconventional partnerships we were able to garner unprecedented exposure for our advertisers and associates expanding the TCP platform. This will be our third year of our Hometown Hero Tour. 2015 is slated to be the best year yet with new ideas, a fresh attitude and the addition of more cities. You can become a partner too through sponsorship of this Tour. Our 9th Anniversary was the beginning of “You Don’t Know My Story” which started from people judging me from the outside and not knowing my sacrifices to accomplish what I have achieved. I shared my story along with 11 other women. By popular demand we return another year to celebrate the lives of women who have triumphed over adversity. Our Anniversary Gala is a celebration in style with a fabulous fashion show by Tim Johnson Productions with music by Tony Terry. As you peruse through the pages of this edition you will read the stories of Women of Triumph either written in their own words or told through the eyes of their Ambassador. I trust that these stories will encourage someone to persevere and continue to press toward the mark. Peggy Tatum, Publisher Contributing Writers Alecia Jones Melissa Wade Women of Triumph Ambassadors Denver Wright, WIZPRO Imagineering Rick Crank Studios Joe Yancey, Ozion Media Peggy Tatum, Publisher TCP Magazine 181-104 Wind Chime Court Raleigh, NC 27615 tcpmagazine@gmail.com www.tcpmagazineusa.com 919 796-4724

Contents P 5 Editorial P 7 Gala Program P 9 A Sight To Behold P 10-15, 18-23 Women of Triumph P 16-17 TCP Gospel Celebration P 25 MLK Raleigh Holiday Celebration P 27 J Moss Defying the Mold

“A Sight to Behold” Debi Smith, Certified Event Planner “Authentic, Dedicated, Insightful. Three words that describe my personality, as well as, the service that I strive to deliver while planning your event.” This is how Debi views her work and life. Debi Smith started in 1995 with the passion of decorating and serving on hospitality committees throughout Harnett and Wake Counties. “With a decade of experience in hospitality, my creativity began to form beginning with the eye and flair for tablescapes.” This also lead to sharp precision and attention to detail, which has lead to her success and client satisfaction. She received training and certification in Event Planning at Wake Technical Community College. The grace and elegance of planning, coordination, and decorating has surfaced in full circle, and she aims to please her customers. There is always room in her sight to behold your vision. Debi Smith is the official decorator for TCP Magazine’s 11th Anniversary. To obtain her services call 919 610-0510.

Your Burdens are Your Blessings in Disguise The “Ultimate Care Giver” After more than 30 years of working for others doing what she loved, little did she know that retiring from her “public job”, she would find herself in a new role. While she never gave much thought to what life would be like after retirement, God’s plan was at work. Growing up in the church, playing for the choir since the age of 13, teaching Sunday School and various other leadership roles, while Annie never went to college she managed to continue to teach herself what she needed to help others in the work and Word of God. After raising two kids, who have successful careers and gifted her with one grandchild, Annie could not have asked for much more. Life changed in 1994 with the death of her Father at the age of 92. That same year, Annie left her job due to a demotion based on a work injury. As time went on, Annie enjoyed visiting and taking trips with her daughter who lived out of town. Annie’s mother was left alone after being married for over 60 years, so Annie became the primary caregiver. Annie’s mother eventually moved in with her. While her mother was able to move about, Annie continued to be active in the church and even take trips bringing her mother along. As time passed and failing health came, Annie found herself unable to fulfill her responsibilities to the church and enjoy her hobbies of sewing and traveling. Eventually, she procured day care for her mother; however, out of commitment to her mother, she gave up her life, playing for the church, teaching Sunday School, sewing and traveling. Her life became cooking three meals a day, late night meals, doctor appointments, cleaning beds in the middle of the night, diaper changes and pharmacy runs. You see, her husband’s health was also failing and he also needed help with dressing, food, and medicine. Can imagine your day being dictated by others with very little time for your desires? It became tough and breakdowns occurred, but she would pick herself up and keep it moving. At the same time she had her own health issues, arthritis, acid reflux and shoulder surgery. If that wasn’t enough, she fell out the back door, hitting the cement face first. There was also a bout with shingles in the face and high blood pressure. At one point she was losing too much weight and then she would gain weight. Through it all she never stopped praying in the morning and in the evening. She developed quiet time at night when everyone else was asleep. She loved to read so her children provided her with the necessary tools to make it easy including a kindle and a laptop. Church became TV evangelism and the various Bibles she had. She also never stopped studying the Word. The blessing in the burden is that her mother lived to be 100 years old, clothed in her right mind. She was able to give her the best life in her last days. Her mother was at home when she passed and Annie and her faithful sister were by her side. Her mother made it easy by prearranging her burial. Annie always put others before herself like her mother. She says, “Always do what is right, regardless of what the other person does.” Annie relied on what she knew for sure, The Lord will never put more on you than you can bear. Now at the age of 77, Annie like her mother will live out her best years yet. Ambassador: Minister Linda Gail Jones

“If You Don’t Know Who You Are, You Won’t Know What Belongs to You!” The Life of Dr. Gail Hayes, Successful Author, Speaker, Mother The extensive resume of Dr. Gail Hayes reads like the successful profile of a world renowned celebrity with unlimited wealth and lifelong happiness. She is an Executive Leadership Coach, successful author and sought after powerful speaker whose candid, electrifying and engaging style of com- munication has placed her center stage before audiences of Fortune 500 companies and other global organizations. She is a bona fide and highly accomplished leader who works to empower other leaders, but the truth of the matter is that she is also a woman in the deliberate throes of progressive self-rediscovery, effective posturing and strategic reinvention. Through the rigors and trials of her life experiences, she has survived the personal wrath of continuous and painful rejection, strained family relationships, lost friendships and years of verbal abuse from the one that she pledged her life to eternally in marriage. She has dealt with the substandard and dysfunctional relationship with her mother who often blamed her for her own feelings of insecurity and misfortune and a frustrated father who never realized his dream of becoming a college athlete. The pregnancy of her mother with her at age 15, left scars that were never totally healed in this family and instead of being proud of their daughter, Gail was the bane of their existence; literally. She was close to jumping off the ledge of life with a failed attempt at suicide but this woman of God has weathered and withstood the harsh hands of time with stellar faith taught by a loving and nurturing Grandmother who “held her face.” The harmful effects of years of abuse left an imprint on her children that she has worked carefully and deliberately to unearth. She has peeled back layers of emotional and traumatic scars imposed on them as she had to teach them life skills necessary for their own survival. She has purposefully worked to step up her role as a Mother giving her children what she missed in graceful love and nurturing guidance; her children are flourishing successfully at life because of her example as a winner in the game of life. Coming out of a 27 year situation without money she said, “God’s hand would catch me.” She is a preacher teacher who took introspective stock in her own identity because she stated, “If you don’t know who you are, you don’t know what belongs to you!” She knew that God had given her a powerful hand of destiny that she had to work to develop, water and grow to international prominence. Her voice took flight almost unintentionally as she emailed words of inspiration to her friends. She developed an invisible audience and steady following as she branded herself and mastered social media before it was formally recognized. God opened anointed doors of access to high stations in life and her encounters with many of the world’s elite have given her opportunity that she dared to imagine. Dr. Gail Hayes lives by the self-imposed rule that, “Everybody uses toilet paper.” Laughing with confidence, she very profoundly stated that these words level the playing field with everyone that she encounters. As the CEO of the Handle Your Business Girl Empowerment Zone, she provides “Purpose Points” designed to inspire and motivate. She has been on the best seller list and a guest on QVC with her literary project, You Are A Daughter of the King. She is able to flourish in her own skin because she said, “Identity is the glue that commands purpose and destiny to find you. God painted me with identity.” The years of trial have helped her to earn spiritual muscles that now position her as a woman who knows who she is basking in the glow of success and purposed destiny. Dr. Gail Hayes is a woman after God’s own heart and she states, “I am happy anywhere on this earth that my children and I can laugh and love.” Ambassador: Terry Williams Spicer 11

Hope for Elissa Elissa Hunter is a 13 year old fire ball, full of life. She loves to sing, dance and giggle. If you look over her life for the last thirteen years you would wonder how in the world could a young girl go through so much and still want to sing. Elissa had to fight sickle cell disease when she was just one year old. Year after year Elissa would be admitted to the hospital for pain management, blood transfusions and Acute Chest Syndrome. In May 2013, doctors recommended that she have a bone marrow transplant. Not truly understanding all the things that could possibly happen, we agreed. As testing began, Elissa was diagnosed with a heart condition called WPW (Wolfe Parkinson White). We were not prepared for the extras and the transplant was placed on hold for a few months so that the heart condition could be taken care of. This delay required Elissa to begin Transplant testing all over again. After bone marrow harvesting and central line placement the chemo began for 13 long days. At one point Elissa was receiving chemotherapy every 6 hours with each treatment lasting 2 to 3 hours all because there were no matching donors in the entire national registry. Within 6 days of chemo ending, she lost all of her hair. Elissa was such a fighter and actually started showing signs of accepting the marrow within just a few days. But wait, six days after the transplant she did it. Her body took the new bone marrow. Twenty six days after her transplant Elissa left the hospital for her new life at the Ronald McDonald House. Sounds simple enough; however, the severe chemo and drugs to get her body back were so damaging to her little body that complications set in. Elissa was readmitted to the hospital six more times. In February Elissa was rushed to the hospital. Her blood sugar was over 600. Diabetes was the diagnosis as a result of taking steroids. A few months later Elissa started to complain about her knees, and then she had trouble walking. The diagnosis was Avascular Necrosis. More surgery was required this time on both of her knees because the tissue was dying due to lack of oxygen again because of steroids. October 2014, almost one year post-transplant, Elissa went through the most dangerous stage of her life, Septic Shock! For the first time Elissa was closer to death than she was to life. She knew something was wrong but not once did she stop fighting. Elissa was in intensive care surrounded by specialist trying to make a game plan to save her life. God our healer was all she needed and as quickly as she was admitted she was discharged. In the last 18 months, Elissa has overcome two heart procedures, Steroid induced diabetes, Double Knee surgery (Avascular Necrosis), Septic Shock, ditched the wheel chair and walker. Today she is totally cured of Sickle Cell disease, riding her bike and back to school for two hours a day. Elissa has an impending surgery for removal of her central line. Elissa lost a few friends while she was at the Ronald McDonald House but she knew there was Hope for Elissa as evidenced by her Facebook page and the number of people who followed her story and continuously prayed for her. Elissa continues to sing.

Journeys Through Seasons of Life

Evangelist (Dr.) Hattie Jones Lofton grew up in Sussex, Virginia, and was raised by her share cropper parents, Percy and Mattie Jones (now deceased). She was one of eight children and spent many days in cotton, corn and peanut fields. She married Glenn Lofton, and moved to North Carolina, over 40 years ago. They have raised three children, who are now raising families of their own. Evangelist Lofton is an ordained Eldress in the Disciples of Christ Church and truly a much sought after Evangelist. She has worked for the FBI and SBI, and is now retired. Many have a similar story, however, Evangelist Lofton’s journey diverges from what appears, at first glance, to be a typical life. She was SAVED in 1977, but one of the paths that she journeyed along the way was of rejection and depression. In June 1983, she, her husband, and three children were in an automobile accident. Their two daughters, Shauna and Tonya were sitting in the front with their dad, as a treat to celebrate Father’s Day. Hattie, holding baby son, Martez, was in the back seat with a family friend. About ten miles from home, their car was hit by a drunk driver. The car went into the air, rolled over, and over and life changed in an instant. Hattie and her baby son were thrown from the car. Her body protected and shielded him from injuries. And praise God, they were all alive! There was blood all around Hattie and the EMS attendant informed her that she had lost an ear. After a stay in the hospital, and 250 stitches later, she was now disfigured. Insensitive people stared, asked questions, and whispered about the dis-figuration. Re-constructive surgeries forced her to wear turbines, everywhere. Hattie would have liked to be able to say that she handled it every step of the way, with peace and joy, and victory. Eventually, she did. But, this was also the year (November 1983) that her mother died of cancer, after only being diagnosed, less than one month --- only five months after the car accident. Evangelist Lofton was totally consumed with a sadness and a grief that led to deep depression. Then one day, as the Lord delivered her, called her into ministry, and chose her to do the work of an Evangelist, all of the pain was used for His glory. She was delivered, by the Lord, and made whole again. It was a true and powerful testimony for His glory. Evangelist Lofton is now ministering with zeal (with support of husband Deacon Glenn Lofton), in revivals, conferences, worship services and more --- 45 to 46 weeks out of the year! She is working the outreach ministry that the Lord gave to her, which gives clothing and food to those in need. She is active in her local church (a member for 40 years), Hickory Grove Disciples of Christ of the Western Assembly Disciples of Christ Churches. In July 2014, Evangelist Lofton’s first book was published, “Lessons from Seasons and Times In My Life – Volume I”. As she has journeyed as a new author, the book has ministered to many and has sold 1,200+ copies. She has been interviewed by cable TV networks, including TCT, regarding her ministry and book. Evangelist Lofton is so humbled, so amazed and so grateful for all that the Lord has done, and continues to do in her life, as He uses her, as a vessel to affect souls and bring increase to His kingdom.

Behind the Mask My smile. It is like a gift that I generously share with my friends, my family and with strangers I meet in passing. It’s what most people who know me well would say is a part of my personality. One of my close friends has given me the nickname “Sunshine” because I’m known to have a smile on my face whenever she sees me. Not only does smiling help me feel confident, it contributes to my sense of joy and peace. But, it was not always that way for me. There was a time in my life that I wore a smile like a mask; using it as something to hide behind. I smiled to distract anyone who got close to me to prevent them from seeing my emotional scars. I thought if I was smiling, people would not be able to recognize my feeling of shame and condemnation. I believed that smiling would camouflage my truth, that for as far back as I could remember, I had intense feelings of worthlessness. For most of my life, I felt unlovable and that I did not deserve to be happy. The domestic violence and abuse during my childhood did much to foster such feelings and constantly reminded me that I was somehow defective. Because of my underdeveloped self-esteem, I sought affirmation and acceptance from other people. Nowhere was this more evident than in my marriage and in spiritual life. For many years, my husband was in deep denial about his alcohol abuse. This caused a great deal of stress for me and my sons. I had no one to talk to about it. I was too busy trying to do all I could to hide how miserable I was and too ashamed to let my family know I was suffering. I found myself trapped in a codependent life. I was in a destructive relationship, but I thought I did not deserve any better. I told myself that I had to stay with him because it was my responsibility to fix him. Over the years the condition of my marriage deteriorated. After spending a night in my car because of physical abuse and threats being communicated, I found the courage to protect myself and my children. Even though I felt I did not deserve any better, my children did. I needed to do all that I could to protect my sons from a life of alcohol abuse and domestic violence. Eighteen months later, I was divorced and free to make a better life for my sons. There was another sad truth in my life, I felt God didn’t love me and I could not ask Him to help me. I thought at best I could be a part of a religious organization that God loves but He could never love someone like me; I would never be able to measure up to what other people in the organization did to keep themselves in God’s love. When I heard about God’s under-served kindness, all I could think was, “if there is anyone under-serving of His kindness it’s me.” I couldn’t smile anymore, my light had gone out and I all but gave up. My children had always been my reason for holding on. I was in a very dark place and did not have enough in me to give to them. I knew that if I was going to survive, I needed to have a relationship with Jesus for myself not just being part of the faith my parents belong to. This decision, however, came at a great risk. Leaving that organization meant I would be shunned by mother and everyone I’d considered my friends. My personal walk with Christ has helped me to see the beauty of God’s grace. I don’t have to feel ashamed and condemned anymore. I know I He loves me. I feel free to praise and worship God. I can smile with all the confidence in His plan for my life. Ambassador: Dr. Donna Corbett 14

Problems Are Not Meant To Be Solved But Walked Through A native of Clayton, North Carolina, Karen grew up in a domestic violence household. For the majority of her childhood she witnessed her loving mother endure emotional, physical and mental abuse by her father. Like many women then and today, Karen’s mother suffered in silence. These years of abuse took a toll on Karen emotionally; she became very attached to her mother and dealt with nervousness and related medical conditions. Through the time Karen and her mother spent praying with the sick in the community, Karen gained peace in God and His love for her mother. During Karen’s high school years the abuse subsided; however, she was still concerned for her mother when she went away to college. Karen’s mother knew she would be all right and would often say to Karen, “Put God first in everything you do; God will take care of us.” Thirteen years later her mother could no longer endure the abuse and Karen’s parents separated. Karen remembers her mother, Willa Cooley, as a great example of unconditional love and as a model for (1) enduring unfair challenges and (2) forgiving unconditionally. Today, Karen facilitates Domestic Violence workshops and anonymous small group sessions for Survivors of Domestic Violence. During the peak of her career in Information Systems, Karen suffered significant health issues which included nine surgeries and six years of being unable to work. With her mother’s unyielding spirit inside her, Karen did not succumb to this adversity. Redirected by the Holy Spirit, Karen had a career change and became a health educator. During this time, the Holy Spirit placed a prayer burden on Karen’s heart to intercede for families and marriages to be healthy. With her quiet but stern disposition, Karen then pursued health and human service roles, leadership, and volunteer experiences. One of Karen’s greatest passions is uplifting marriage and during this time the Holy Spirit led Karen to intercede for marriages in the area of intimacy and compassion. Through prayer, ministering, encouraging individuals struggling in their marriages, and feeling the loss of love, Karen envisioned and founded the Burning Flame Fellowship. This Christian organization facilitates workshops, topical studies, and small group fellowships for single, married, divorced, and widowed women. Since embracing God’s vocation for her life, Karen earned a Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership and Master’s Degree in Human Services Counseling - Life Coaching from Liberty University. She became a certified CDC Health Educator, certified Biblical Counselor, Divorce Care Leader, and a certified Intimate Marriage Care Leader. Currently, Karen serves on the Wake County HIV Faith Coalition and National Black Day of Marriage Steering Committee. She is pursuing a diploma in Practical Ministry from TEAMs Ministries International in Durham, NC. Karen celebrates 30 years of marriage to Minister Dana W. Lassiter and they are the proud parents of two sons, Dana W. Lassiter II and William Chandler. Karen is a disciple of Wake Chapel Church where she serves faithfully under the leadership of Senior Pastor J. Jasper Wilkins, Jr. Karen has resolved that some problems are not meant to be solved; they are meant to be walked through. Through life’s adversities, sickness, disappointments and trials she has leaned on God for strength and direction. Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6. 15

Good and Faithful Servant Mary Dickens has been married to Pastor Willard V. Dickens for 29 years with a blended family of six children. Mary was reared in a single parent home where she learned a lot of life skills and wisdom from her mom. Mary had her son, Marcus when she was 20 years old. She carried him for a full term and when he was born she found out that her son was born with Downs Syndrome, a disorder of the chromosomes. The doctors were not sure why a young women like Mary had a child with this disability. Most women during this era who had children with this disability were over the age of 35. This has been a real challenge for Mary. Not really understanding how and why. The doctors were not able to give her any future hopes for her son but to surround him with as much love as possible. Marcus began receiving therapy in home and once he was old enough, she enrolled him in daycare. Marcus went to school up until he was 21. They had many challenges with the public school system. During this time, there were not a lot of programs offered through the public school system. Marcus participated in the North Carolina Special Olympics in bowling, soccer, basketball and softball. Marcus has won numerous gold, bronze and silver medals. He is very active with this organization. He participates in the fund-raisers and enjoys the many social activities they have. Marcus has been a great inspiration to his mother. In difficult times when Mary didn’t know which way to go next, Marcus would let her know it’s going to be alright. He is always concerned about his mom’s wellbeing. He asks her every day, “Are you alright?” He tells her every day that he loves her and wants to know what is she going to cook today. When Mary and her husband began adopting children 8 years ago, Marcus was 23 years old. This was very exciting to Marcus to have more siblings. He talks about his brothers and sisters to everyone and is very protective of them. He really doesn’t want Mary to discipline them. He checks on them at night to make sure they are warm. If he feels like they are not, he puts additional covering on their beds. Having the additional children in the home has been a challenge and a blessing. Mary really had to seek God on this matter. When the children began coming into her life, she had planned early retirement. She had plans to travel and enjoy life. Not knowing that God had another plan. It’s been a challenge for her, but God has reminded her that her life is not her own, she has been bought with a price. Mary has struggled with the opinions of fellow Christians questioning her commitment to extend her family at this point in her life. She is the co-pastor of a small ministry in Kenly with her husband. She has returned to work to help her husband with the finances. She travels and does women conferences and is involved with various ministries. When her time is up on this side of glory, she wants to leave empty, and enter into glory to hear her maker say, ‘Well done thy good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. Come on up here I will make you ruler over much.’ Ambassador: Mary Hockaday 18

My Story of Faith I was born in the Ivory Coast, West Africa. The way I was raised in my strict polygamist Muslim family caused me to have great questions about life. I simply couldn’t believe that anyone was born to suffer. One day after my mother was done beating me up, I told her: “I did not ask to be born. You gave birth to me. If this is how I am going to suffer all the time, please kill me now and put me back where I came from”. While I was labeled the bad one, the failure, my twin sister was called the good girl, the beautiful one, the loved one. I attempted to commit suicide. In the midst of all this, I had a vision of Jesus Christ calling me to Him. My life did not change right away after that vision, but at least I was comforted and knew that if I followed the man of my vision, things would get better for me. I tried to satisfy my parents who did not approve of my God-given talents of braiding and making things by hand. When my family learned that I was dating a Christian guy in high school, things worsened. My life became even more horrible and hopeless than ever due to more intense persecutions, slandering, humiliation and beating. I could not focus in class or study, which caused me to repeat my 11th grade twice and my 12th grade three times. I failed the exams many times even though I was among the three best students in class. I was a disgrace to my family. My mother told me that I amount to nothing. My parents tried to get me arrested, but I was released by a Christian policeman and from that time, I was separated from my family and left to depend on my boyfriend for everything for a few years. From there, I was finally able to pass my exam and go to the University of Abidjan where I studied philosophy. On campus, I was able to freely braid. During my time at the university, my longing to be loved by my parents led me to rebuild my relationship with them. My parents attempts to separate me from my boyfriend led them to transfer me to a couple different schools and cities and then across the seas to America. In America I was now free. Free to braid, to seek Jesus, own a Bible, get married to my boyfriend, and have children…. My beginnings in America were not easy, however. I experienced the fear of being homeless; not enough money to eat; thrown out of people’s house in the cold winter because I refused to compromise; Slept on cold floors. I could not speak much English. But being in America was a dream to me. Eventually, I accepted Jesus and everything began to change. I began to prosper. Success began to flow and it wasn’t long before I had a business employing several people. In the midst of all this, my marriage became shaky and unstable. It ended in divorce and I was left with two outstanding boys: Christopher and Dennis. I experienced the pain of being left by the one I brought to America after I suffered so much for him, and being a single mother in a foreign soil. Later, I married my present awesome husband Pascal. We have a lovely daughter named Amy. Today, God has blessed us with three hair braiding shops, a taxi business, a mechanic shop and our own hair care products. Yes, we serve an awesome God.

Strength of Love When I was a little girl, I would go behind our house, set up rows of empty chairs, build a make shift pulpit and preach in front of an imaginary congregation. My sister Joyce would ask me what I was doing and I would say, “I’m having church!” That mere beginning was the platform that led to my call to preach my initial sermon in February 1981 at Mt. Zion United Holy Church. I shared with two of my aunts that I was going to preach. They told me all I wanted to do was be a holy roller, walking around speaking in gibberish, and women were NOT called to preach. The source of my faith was not interrupted by the naysayers. It was tested from the trials of losing all my children, my personal battle with cancer, and the hurt and challenges I faced when I made the decision to live a righteous life. It is only recognizing the power of our God and His grace and mercy that I can share this story as a story of Triumph. I grew up in Clayton where my Father was a sharecropper and my Mother did domestic work. There was little family interaction but we always had three good meals placed on our table every day. My father passed when I was 10 and I moved to upstate New York to live with my older sister. I returned to North Carolina when I was 15 and enrolled at Johnston County Training School where I met, fell in love with Irvin Allen and was married by the age of 16. I did not graduate from High school but completed by GED at Johnston Technical Institute and have since gone back to college to complete my BA, MA and in 2014, received my PH.D in Christian Education. Soon after we got married, I became pregnant with our first child, Wanda Denise. We discovered she had a rare auto immune disease. By age two the disease took its toll. Through our faith in God, we pulled through and had our second child, Timothy Wayne. Our last child was born in 1973, Queliah Kahn, when I was 25. She was diagnosed with the same auto-immune disease as Wanda Denise and within two years was also no longer with us. I cannot express in words the agony of watching both of our girls endure this pain suffering disease. We never knew what to expect each day as the physicians did not know much about this disease and had little to tell us about why our girls were affected. In getting past that unknown, that feeling of being helpless to save your child, we did find greater joy in watching Tim grow up into our handsome young man. Tim and his father were very close. He loved traveling and became a long distance truck driver. He moved to Colorado but returned home when he was 38. The most painful trial in both Irvin and my life was the day we found our son dead in his tractor trailer not very far from our home. I must say, the loss of my girls, the cancer, the painful comments made by my aunts and/or the many other challenges of being a woman in ministry in the rural South, does not parallel to the hurt from the loss of our son. However, when you see me, I always have a smile on my face. This genuine smile comes from the inside out. It is a reflection of the joy and peace beyond understanding our Lord has placed in my heart, mind and soul. Ambassador Vandolyn Bradley

I Can’t Give Up….I Won’t Give Up! Lights, Camera, Action!!! Three words this aspiring actress desires to hear often, but instead, between acting gigs, this single mother of three, holding down a full time job, just completed a Master’s Degree in Health Services, and caring for her youngest son, paralyzed from the waist down says, “When I set a goal, I go for it and I don’t let anything stop me. I can’t give up…I won’t give up.” If you think your life is hectic and busy, meet Sharon King. One would never know all the struggles this mother of three boys, has faced over the years. “Raising three sons hasn’t been easy. It’s hard to teach a son to be a man,” she says, “and taking care of a disabled child offers up a different set of challenges.” Reflecting back, she shares that she was scared when she received the news at 6 months pregnant that her unborn child (Jordan) would be born with Spina Bifida, a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or its coverings. A disease that she had never heard of and didn’t know what to expect, much less accept. “It was really hard for me to accept and I was so overwhelmed with emotion. I knew God would not put more on me than I could bear. I came to realize that God gives special needs children to parents who can deal with their issues. And so I knew then what I had to do.” For 3 months, King would drive almost an hour to visit Jordan in the hospital everyday, stay until 1 a.m., get up the next morning, go to work, get off work, go to the hospital and start all over again. “I was determined to be there for my baby.” She indicates that she would tape herself singing and reading stories so the nurses could play it for Jordan during the hours she couldn’t be by his side. Today, life is not much different. Jordan, now 17, still requires much attention. However, King feels it’s important to teach Jordan to be independent. She tells Jordan he can do anything he wants to do. He may have to do it differently than others, but he can accomplish in life whatever he wants. “Don’t let your wheelchair stop you from achieving your goals”, she says. Jordan thinks it’s cool being in a wheelchair. He tells her, “I can get around faster than everyone else.” He has every right to complain, she says, but he never does. He has a very outgoing personality and touches the lives of people he meets everywhere. “Single parents can raise successful children, even though statistics say otherwise. My oldest son is a successful business owner and educates others on entrepreneurship; my middle son is an officer in the U.S. Navy who has received numerous awards including the 2014 Sailor of the Year and Jordan excels in high school. He is on his high school’s track team, played wheelchair basketball for the past 5 years and plans to major in computer technology after he graduates this year.” “People should be thankful for healthy children and not take them for granted. It’s hard and can be difficult. I want to portray that person who does it all and set the example that if I can do it, they can to.” When asked how she does it all, King says, “You have to prioritize. I have a support system and that’s important for parents with disabled children. My older sons have been a tremendous help, along with my family and church family. I have faith and trust in God. God has been good to me.” Ambassador: Katie Gailes

I’m Still Here My name is Shontina Green and I am a 53 year young black African American Woman. I am the second youngest of seven children born to Elizabeth & William K. Green, Sr. on March 3, 1961. I have two brothers and four sisters with our oldest sister passing away in August 2012. My parents reared us in a God fearing home where my father served as a Deacon and my mother served as an Assistant Pastor and Pastor for many years. Our parents taught us who God was and what he should mean to us. I found out about this God for myself in 1998 when I gave my life to Christ. In 2002, God call me into the ministry. I have been happily married for 14 years to Bobby Green and have been blessed with three children, two grandchildren, and one daughter in-law. Being a minister did not exempt me from challenges. In fact, I struggled with low self-esteem and obesity growing up as a child and as an adult; I never felt good about myself and I didn’t love who I was. Therefore, I could not believe God called me to be his messenger. He not only called me but he predestined me to “Be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Therefore, from 2011 to October of 2013 I made a life style change. As a result, I overcame the weight problem through better choices. I then saw myself as a young, healthy African American Woman. I became more positive, confident, and stronger. However, in December of 2013, the weight began to drop drastically and I began to have overwhelming discomfort in my abdomen. On December 21, 2013, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. As we all know with stage 4 of any type cancer, based on doctor’s medical prognosis, they predict how long you have to live. The doctors stated to me, that there was nothing else they could do because it had extended into the liver. Did I become bitter and angry when I received the diagnosis? Of course, since we are human, it is easy to get caught up in the self-pity, unfairness of life, or why me, trap. When we do, we fail to recognize the opportunities for God’s wisdom, guidance, and growth that accompany adversity. However, after a very brief pity party, I began to pray as Paul prayed with the thorn in his flesh, and each time God told me, “My Grace is sufficient”. It was through this scripture where resilience and I started our journey and I haven’t looked back. My diagnosis today is “I Am Still Here” God has the final say so and he wants me to be able to be a witness and share my story with someone else that has the same diagnosis. I thank God each day for my birth, for my life, health, and strength. The scripture that I hold dear to my heart is “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2nd Cor. 12:9) Ambassador: Alesia O’Neal

A New Beginning In January 2009 my life began. After an eviction and residing with a friend, God released me to start a business in which he provided a vision for 5 years earlier. Once off the ground, the business grew by leaps and bounds. A friend gave a prophetic word to me, “supernatural growth.” It was as if God sprinkled “Miracle Gro” on it. The business didn’t grow through advertisement, but at His word and word of mouth. In a very short time, we grew from two employees to fifty in the states of NC, VA, and SC, with calls coming in from Tennessee and Ohio. The blessings were in great abundance, spiritually, financially, and a restored marriage. Fast forward: In less than four years I lost everything. I had to close my business; funding was lost, unable to pay employees, families could no longer receive services, repossessed vehicles, and the love of my life, walked out on me, for the third time. In September of 2012, I received a prophetic word from my pastor at the time directing from Isaiah 61 and instructions from the Holy Spirit to start packing. I had no direction. I continued to pray and expect God to show up in a miraculous way. In January 2013, my landlord gave me until the end of the month to move out. A few days before I was to move out, I called a friend and asked to stay with her, I was able to put my belongings in storage, because of the kindness of some people; I was able to hire movers. One of the movers said to me: “Ma’am, you know you are moving to a new beginning, don’t you?” I looked at him and said, “I sure hope so.” He said that when I walked outside to greet them, he heard, “New Beginning” and “To whom much is given, much is required,” I said OK. After the move, I experienced SO many tests and trials, from having to move to a city I didn’t desire to live in, to contemplating suicide when it was presented to me by the enemy – so thankful for God’s quickening. I also lost my storage unit, with everything that I owned. The most heartbreaking tests came when God released me from my marriage and current church. The two entities that were dearest to me were gone. God has kept me through ALL of the tests and trials. There were times when I could have lost my mind. I have had days and weeks that I COULDN’T pray. I wasn’t mad at God; I have been so broken and hurt during this wilderness season. In spite of my circumstances, He is still God. Through my pain, my brokenness, and in my stripping, God has produced a new creature. As I continue to wait on the promises, I will yet praise Him and continue to believe Him. By faith I shall see the promises of God

THE 2015 DR. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration By: Melissa Wade

On Monday January 19th we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day by honoring his legacy through community service and by attending the many events that were happening throughout the community. The morning began with the Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, followed by the March, the Noon Observance and ending with the Evening Musical. The 35th Annual Martin Luther King Evening Musical was held at the Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts in Raleigh and hosted by WTVD’s John Clark, Jerry Smith, Steve Jake and myself from The Light 103.9. Many gathered together for an evening of inspiration through singing, dance and fellowship. The evening musical was a wonderful success thanks to the MLK steering committee lead by the committee’s Event Planner Pam Thompson Smith. This event featured awesome talented choirs and singers, a spoken word tribute, mime ministry and more. This year’s Evening Musical embraced something a little different; a special Indian Dance Tribute from the NAACH Masala School of Dance in Raleigh, which symbolized the love that King had for all nationalities. Of course the MLK Children’s Choir directed by Randy Shepard was absolutely amazing. The over 100 voice choir of children between the ages of 5-18, brought life to the stage as they sang beautifully and looked great in their white robes. The Musical ended with a young woman that ministered to both the young and old alike; 17 year old Evangelist and National Recording Artist, Jekalyn Carr. Evangelist Carr’s powerful gift for ministry and singing brought everyone to their feet in worship and praise. It was truly an evening of Celebration for the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

JMOSS - Defying the Mold By Alecia Jones – (Washington, DC) Special – to TCP Magazine

I caught up with Pastor, PMG Gospel Label Partner, superstar extraordinaire, husband, and Dad, JMoss. Moss often defies the “inside-of-the-box” mold. The title of his newest masterpiece says it all – “Grown Folks Gospel” - purposed to stir up some things. This project is attributed to many #1’s - debuting at #1 on BILLBOARD and project #1 under the new independent label, PMG Gospel. It gained the highest position on Apple iTunes just days into its release. With this being Moss’ 4th consecutive #1, I thought, so how does one remain JMoss at #1 while challenging the mold. Moss shared, “We’re out-of-the-box thinkers and risk takers not at all worried about sounding too mainstream. We have to reach the hearts and minds of the masses, right where they are, in order to move them closer to the Word of Christ.”

During an interview with The Connection Place Radio Show, WIDU 1600AM, Moss made it clear - the digital release of “Grown Folks Gospel” challenged the notion – “…gospel music must push the envelope and come up with cutting edge ideas to keep us relevant.” Even in light of a few mislabeled CDs in a Wal-Mart mix-up during his release, Moss took a moment to chuckle about his contribution to Beyonce’s sales. Moss unselfishly gives credit to partnerships with Central City, Walter Kearney and Paul PDA Allen. In response to how mainstream media impacts our community and our interactions with one another - JMoss laid it out, quite plainly - “We’ve really lost touch with ourselves, allowing media to dictate who we are, how we view one another and how we operate…and for those of us who have the ability and resources to pull strings in media and make a positive impact on society, they should (!) speak up. Artists are on the front lines and are the ones who our young people pattern themselves after. Anybody in a position to grab a mic and have an amplified voice, should do so responsibly.” We spoke about young girls and women of color understanding their value, self-love and what wisdom Moss would share to empower them, and the daughter he hoped for – “I always wanted a daughter; twins actually – wanted to dress them up, and put cute barrettes in their hair. Moss laughed as he shared…The Lord knew what HE was doing when HE gave me boys. If I had girls, I’d be in the crazy house somewhere!” I’d help my daughter to understand that women are the key to everything. (concluded page 29)

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A wise man shared with me, “As men, we are the leaders, providers, and protectors. But at the end of the day, your wife is the one who’s keeping it all together.” I didn’t get it then, but I understand it now. I would tell her she must set high standards for how she’s to be treated and demand the respect she deserves. The same way her daddy loves and respects her, is what she must demand from any man she encounters.” Distinguished as humble and appreciative of his fan base, Moss wittingly makes himself accessible through multiple social media platforms. His attentiveness and validation of the interviewers’ presence is a commendable character I experienced. A young lady shared her JMoss moment. As press, she inquired about a photo op with Moss. He was pulled away, briefly, but remembered to return to make good on that photo. And while Moss is clearly passionate about his music, he is supportive of youth and unequivocally prioritizes family. The passing of Moss’ father, Bill Moss, Sr., led Moss to rally support of the American Lung Association. Moss endorses The Ronald McDonald House and other worthy causes. Up next, the “RV: Road Trip Promo Tour” with fellow PMG label artist, 21:03. They will take their new projects, “Grown Folks Gospel” and “Outsiders,” to fans stateside. This tour will defy the mold, yet again, featuring a “21:03 After Party” in each city. All events will feature JMoss, and Evin and Torrence of 21:03. The “Outsiders” EP will hit stores and on-line outlets on February 24th. Featured singles, “A Friend” and “Brand New Day”, are currently impacting radio. “Fall at Your Feet”, Moss’ newest single, has become a radio favorite. Moss’ music is available everywhere on-line and in stores. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo and Twitter at /InsideJMoss. Visit http://www.PAJAM-MUSIC.com for more. Interview credits: Black Girls Unscripted (http://www.BlackGirlsUnscripted.org), The Connection Place Radio (http://www.tcpmagazineusa.com) and Neo2Soul Promotions (https://neo2soul.wordpress. com/) Photo by PAJAM 29