TCP 14th Anniversary Issue

EDITORIAL For the past few months, women have become the topic of conversation. From declaring solidarity at the award shows, to embracing the power of females in Black Panther, we have become front and center. The women we reveal in the 2018 Class of Women of Triumph have become stronger through their adversity. Once again we say, you see a smile on their face but you don’t know their story or what it took for them to get to their state of forgiveness, empowerment and strength. Two weeks prior to this 14th Anniversary Celebration, Mrs. Cupid Sorrell, one of our 2018 Honorees, transitioned. Our continued prayers are with her daughter Rozlyn and the Sorrell Family.

We live in an incredible world with unlimited opportunities. As you browse through the pages of this issue, you will encounter numerous ministries and entrepreneurs who support us through advertising. Please review what they have to offer and patronize their opportunities. We can help you too gain exposure through TCP Magazine and our internet platforms. Just give us a call.

Thank you for helping us celebrate our 14th Anniversary and honoring our 5th Class of Women of Triumph. Special thanks to Dr. Sharon Edmond for her sponsorship of the VIP Luncheon for the second year and Pastor Lamont Cooper for the use of Millennium Revival Center. Continued thanks to my husband, Ted Tatum, who keeps me covered, and Denver Wright, Creative Director who always go over and beyond the call of duty.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3 NIV Let’s talk soon.

Peggy Tatum, Publisher

CONTENTS P 5 Editorial P 9 Authors Corner, Dr. Teresa Smith P 10 2013-2017 Women of Triumph P 11 Anniversary Talent P 12-23 2018 Women of Triumph P 27 Wedding Story P 31 Partner Page Contributing Writers Women of Triumph Kimberly Winborne Richard Bebo Denver Wright, WIZPRO Imagineering Rick Crank Photography Joe Yancey, Ozion Media Katie Gailes, Marketing Terry Spicer, Epiphany Public Relations TCP Magazine 181-104 Wind Chime Court Raleigh, NC 27615 tcpmagazine@gmail.com www.tcpmagazineusa.com 919 796-4724 TCP 14th Anniversary Issue - Page: 5

“Stronger: How Overcoming Life’s Adversities Can Push You Into Your Purpose”

by Dr. Teresa A. Smith

“I’m Still Here” serves simultaneously as a battle cry and declaration in “Stronger: How Overcoming Life’s Adversities Can Push You Into Your Purpose.” Growing up in rural North Carolina, Teresa was smart and active in church, fraternal, and civic organizations. Devoted to her community and state, Teresa served as President of North Carolina College and Youth Chapters NAACP and Past Matron of Linkon Chapter No. 564 Order of Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation. She would later earn her doctorate in Education Leadership from Liberty University and become an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, the first Greek-letter organization established

by Black college educated women, at both the regional and international levels. Teresa lived the Cosby life and everything looked great on the outside, yet she was fighting an internal battle to survive.

In her memoir “Stronger”, Dr. Teresa A. Smith (Dr. TAS) talks candidly about being sexually abused, sexually harassed, bullied, feelings of abandonment, her personal experience with police violence against blacks, and the aftermath of a debilitating illness. In her no nonsense way, Teresa embarked on an honest and brutal evaluation of her truth and decided to take control of her future by refusing to let others’ opinions define her. By not embracing guilt, shame, or brokenness, Teresa became stronger than her circumstances, stronger than the sexual and emotional abuse, and stronger than the sexual harassment.

A tell it like it is woman of God, Dr. TAS believes that God has entrusted her as a STEWARD-focused coach, speaker, and trainer to help others understand that they are not alone and their future is not dictated by their past or present situation(s). She sees only possibilities and urges those she works with to face everything and rise. Teresa (Dr. TAS) travels across the country speaking and empowering students, youth, college students, faith-based, and fraternal organizations through her honest interactions, zany sense of humor, and love of music.

To learn more about Dr. TAS visit her website at DrTeresaSmith.com or follow her on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook at DrTeresaSmith.

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AMANDA MANDY October 31, 2017 was the day that life as I knew it ended and the world became void, harsh, cold, dark, heavy, lonely, and painful. A pain that is so deep and penetrating that all you want to do is sleep it away. Mine is an ongoing story as I have not reached a place where I can say I have victory, or the pain is less, or heaviness has lifted. The void will always be there, the harsh reality of it hasn’t faded, the reality will always be there too.

However, I can say that in-spite of it all, I have decided to get out of bed and live. I have made a conscientious decision to SHIFT! my thoughts away from the pain and all that besets me, to grasp the hand of God and trust in his plans that He lay before me daily.

Thirty years ago, I lost my daddy who was my everything. I was a Christian then, but did not have a personal relationship with God. At my father’s funeral, I overheard some aunties saying, “What is she going to do without her daddy?” I wiped my tears away, went back to Texas and I emerged myself into my Army career -- I kept it moving. After giving birth to my daughter in 1994, I experienced my first real encounter with God on a personal level; the majesty of His unconditional love. I felt alive and I had great plans for my family of three. I was living the American dream, married, house in the country and a stay at home mom. Then stage 3 breast cancer hit at 29 years old with a new baby. Here I encountered God the Healer.

Years later out of the blue, my husband said that he no longer loved me and did not want to be married. I had no job, but I had skills and a nursing degree. I relocated back to Durham with my daughter and established a home for us. I then encountered God the provider and the greatest challenge of my life. I became pregnant out of wedlock while serving in ministry, by a man that I had no intentions of marrying. I decided to keep my child in-spite of medical advice.

The pregnancy was typical but my son was born with major complications. But I knew God the Healer, the way maker, I knew God because I had a personal relationship with Him. I had faith that God was going to heal my baby. I believed that everything I asked for He would provide. I had great faith for the nine years my son was in and out of the hospital. For nine years he never spoke, never walked, never ate food that was not puree’. He couldn’t sit up by himself but he had the biggest smile, the deepest dark brown eyes, and the sweetest Spirit that was ever placed in a human. He was my gift from God, just as my Gabby is. He was my world, everything we did evolved around him. It was because of him that I started my business. It was through him that I realized my strengths, my weakness, my bias; all those things that we as Christians are not supposed to have. It was through him, that I had to humble myself to ask for assistance. It was through him that I learned the vastness of our God. It was through him that I learned to put religion down and just BELIEVE! On October 31, 2017 Elliott went to be with God and my life is forever changed.

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CAROLYN TRAYLOR I grew up in Greenville, Texas the youngest of 12 so I never experienced anything alone. At the age of 12 my love for singing came to an abrupt halt. You see I practiced day and night for my Easter Speech, and my song “Walk With Me Lord”. This was the first time that I ever sang in public. Easter Sunday morning came, and I was ready so I thought.

The speech was flawless, but the song didn’t go so well. I ended up singing the WHOLE song in the wrong key. After I finished singing, I remember running to my mother, dropping down to her ankles and crying uncontrollably. On top of that, I could hear an Elder say, “I thought y’all said that Traylor girl could sing.” That was it for me!

I did not sing again from that day until I went to college. While in college, my suitemate, Cynthia Sharp heard me singing in the hallway and wanted to introduce me to the Minister of Music at her church. I knew that was never going to happen because one thing I knew was I COULD NOT SING! Someone I knew and respected had already told me that! Well, Cynthia invited me to go to her church services on Sundays; Wednesdays; and every Saturday. So, I dodged her every Sunday; every Wednesday; and every Saturday. Eventually, I got dragged to choir rehearsal. Can you believe, all this time I was actually dodging Olivia (“I Moved from my Old House”) Branch? She took me under her wing as she did everybody with a desire to sing.

When my parents got sick, I returned home from college. I didn’t know that I was in for the most hurtful and disappointing period of my life. In a short period of time, 13 of my family members passed away. I lost my Mama, Daddy and a 9-month-old niece that died of a heart attack. Another was my first cousin who went in the hospital for day surgery and died due to the Surgeon severing the wrong artery. I thought that I was going to lose my mind. BUT GOD! who is so amazing had a plan for me. Just in case I lost my will to sing again, I couldn’t because I found myself singing alongside hospital beds, at funeral homes and at funerals. During this time I met Dessie Armstrong who allowed me to sing on her programs; helped me start a group; and later traveled with us when we sang with Willie Neal Johnson and the Keynotes, The Canton Spirituals, Dr. Bobby Jones and countless others. God knew this is what I needed to live again. The very thing you don’t want to do anymore may be the very thing you need to LIVE!!!

I eventually went solo, and signed a record deal and recorded “Don’t Wanna Be Left Behind” and “There’s a Story Behind My Praise”. These were all songs related to the tragedy of losing family members and the ability to overcome.

God’s nudge was inevitable when I left the label and went on my own. The new CD is entitled “The Best of My Story” and has so far been nominated for a Stellar, five Rhythm of Gospel Awards, five S&M Awards, a Texas Gospel Excellence Award and more. I give glory and honor to God for all. I am STILL in awe of what God is doing in my life. I guess the words of my latest song are reigning true …THE REST OF MY STORY WILL BE THE BEST OF MY STORY!!

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CLARECE DENNING Looking back over my 92 years of adventure, I can see God’s mighty hand at work in my life. I am Clarece Ellen Umphrey Denning, the fourth child of Mallie and Leonia Crowder Umphrey. My siblings and I learned the value of hard work, persistence, love, and humor as they raised us on meager means. We never went hungry. I babysat my younger siblings while they farmed. My father died unexpectedly at 48 when I was 21 years old leaving mom with 5 young children to raise. Mom never remarried or led a “shady” lifestyle. Long before I heard of Abigail (1 Samuel 25), I saw my mother live it. With wisdom, she farmed and raised the children still at home.

My oldest sister went to college. I planned to attend college becoming either a nurse or a beautician. However, God had other plans. After high school, I married a young farmer. I stayed at home with the first three of our four children and helped on the farm. It was rewarding seeing our seeds become vegetables, harvesting them to sell and preparing them for our own table.

My husband started a trucking business in the early 60’s and became a part-time farmer. I started cleaning homes and babysitting. As I worked, people would often say “you can do more and better.” Their words were encouragement straight from God so I looked for opportunities. I started with factory work at Jesse Jones (ConAgra plant in Garner), eventually landing a position with Governor Morehead School. I enrolled in an agency which offered a course in private duty nursing. I worked during the day and attended their night course eventually receiving my ElderCare certificate, the pink uniform, and a lapel pin. I worked private duty in the evenings and full time during the day.

At 39 my doctor informed me my “tumor” was actually our fourth and last child. When mother had a series of heart attacks, she came to live with us. By being in our home mom was now helping me, because our last child wasn’t coming home to an empty house.

I heard about openings for a Mental Health Aide and went to the Employment Security office to apply. They referred me to Wake County for a Social Service Aide. There I was a farmer’s daughter with little more than a high school diploma, driving and traveling all over the State and working with foster children. When I began there was no I-40. I firmly believe those driving challenges are the main reason I am still able to drive now at 92. Eventually, I took a position with Adult Services still traveling and assisting clients in getting necessary resources. I was with Wake County seventeen years until I retired.

I thought at retirement my husband and I would do some traveling but again God had other plans. I have been a widow for 25 years. We were blessed with four children, six grandchildren, seven great-grand and three great-great-grands.

At 92 I have new knees and hips. People ask for my “beauty secrets”. I believe that eating home grown foods is a good start. In the early 70’s I read a book called Back To Eden and started incorporating herbal remedies into my lifestyle. When possible, I prefer natural remedies, but I don’t discount or ignore the doctor’s orders. I try to eat in moderation. Mostly God has been good. I can’t praise Him enough. When I was growing up we did not get a chance to attend Bible study, however, mother read to us. I love Wednesday’s daytime Bible study at New Providence Missionary Baptist Church. God IS faithful, and all we need to do is stay in the Word, believe the Word and trust Him! TCP 14th Anniversary Issue - Page: 14

CUPID SORRELL I never thought, in a million years I would be in my current physical condition. I have always been relatively healthy; with any medical issues being handled satisfactorily and consistently with medications, for years.

However, with no warning nor explanation, I suddenly began feeling physically challenged with intense and chronic fatigue.

Doctor examinations proved futile, as blood work and other tests returned normal. My condition was therefore dismissed as being due to old age. It should have been clear that something was wrong because no one, regardless of age, sleeps for eight hours and awakens feeling tired. None the less, I continued battling this symptom for over a year.

To say I am a blessed woman is a major understatement. By some stroke of good fortune (if you want to call it that), my son having been diagnosed and treated for a hernia caused me to examine myself. That search revealed a growth, later diagnosed as a rapidly growing form of cancer. That was more than a year ago, and I am still among the living to the amazement of my medical team. I have been able to endure treatment, in some cases, better than those many years my junior. God is good! I have so many prayer warriors surrounding me, lifting me up and believing in my healing, that the enemy has not been able to bring me down.

Praise God, I just celebrated my 93rd birthday in January! Although I am not as strong as I used to be, I still possess alertness of mind, a great appetite (for good food) and a will to live until God says otherwise. Over 300 people wished me happy birthday on Facebook this year. I had so much fun reading their comments; many from whom I don’t even know. They just wanted to honor me as a senior citizen, I guess. Doesn’t matter why. I appreciate it.

I still have a fond rememberance of my surprise 90th birthday party. About 65 family members, friends, church members and other supporters showed up. Not only did they show up, but they purchased their meals and gave me gifts and money, from way down deep in their hearts. I didn’t know people loved me enough to do that! I am so grateful. That was a great day!

It is such a blessing to be included into this celebration of life, overcoming and triumph. There is one thing for sure, if we live long enough, we will all be faced with stumbling blocks, obstacles and mountains to climb, but it is how we face those hurdles that determines the outcome. I put my faith and trust in God, knowing he is the answer to every situation and able to destroy the enemy, if we only believe. Thank you, Jesus!

I don’t know what He has in store for me, but I trust him completely and believe He has spared me for a reason. Many times, people come to visit and call to encourage me, but before all is said and done, I find myself encouraging them. People have always said that I have the gift of giving. Sometimes I have to be reminded to think about myself, because my mind and heart is always concerned about someone else. Perhaps that is why God has spared me, to continue to fulfill my purpose. Whatever the reason, I know one thing; I am thankful and I am glad about it. Please, pray my continued strength in the Lord, that I may continue to do what God has called me to do, in Jesus’ Name.

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DONA ANDERSON After 14 years of marriage, I became a single parent of two. I had a demanding full-time job, was Director of Music at a local church (23 years), and eventually moved my invalid mother in with me to take care of her. My platter was full.

In 2004, I gave up my responsibilities as Music Director. In 2009, I left my last place of employment after 29 years of service in the Television Industry and started my own business, New Beginnings Entertainment. I came up with that name because it was the beginning of a new chapter in my life. So, I was excited and free to focus on being the CEO of my own company! I even ended up working as an independent contractor for my former employer (including continuing to produce Spiritual Awakening). What a blessing! I was a busy lady! By 2011, my medical coverage expired and I wasn’t making enough money to purchase my own health insurance.

December 2013…Praise God for Obamacare!!

February 2014, I was so happy to let my doctor know I had health insurance again. After lab work and exams, I was told, “Ms. Anderson, there are cancer cells in your urine and a tumor in your bladder. We’ll need to remove the tumor and see if the cancer is contained in the bladder or has gone through the walls into your body”. I drove home in a daze.

The next three months were the scariest, agonizing, horrifying and terrorizing time of my life. Panic attacks were at an all-time high. I couldn’t eat or sleep. I thought I was losing my mind. Guilt set in as I knew this was not of God. I was given a narcotic for a short period to keep me calm. Where was the faith I thought I had? I begged God for the peace only He could give me.

It took all the energy I had to be in public and act normal and not freak out. One morning, I asked God a question and then sat in silence for a while. I picked up my Bible and it just fell open to Jeremiah, “I have plans for you…”. Then, in one flip, I was in Proverbs, “Lean not on your own understanding…”. To this day, I don’t remember the question, but I’ll never forget God’s answer. I prayed, read the Word, talked to God and listened for His answers like never before.

The tumor was removed. The cancer was contained in the bladder. After twelve weeks of chemo, the cancered bladder was removed. God had my back! During my illness, God let me know I can do nothing without Him. He showed me that I was not all that and a bag of chips. He gave me new perspectives on various aspects of life in general. He taught me the importance of keeping on the whole armor of God daily. He showed me how my busyness was blocking the flow of what the Holy Spirit really wanted to do through me. The enemy couldn’t do anything about my belief system, but God allowed him to torment me for a while. I finally received the peace I asked for. Today, I live victoriously in Jesus, my Savior forever!

Never be too busy to fellowship with God, to acknowledge Him in all your ways, to listen to His voice, for you may not be happy with the way He gets your attention. Put God first always. Life will be so much better.

My name is Dona Jackson Anderson, a Woman of Triumph! To God Be The Glory!

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EDITH BERRY “He Hides Me in the Secret Places” Psalms 27:5 For in the time of trouble, He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret of His Tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up on a rock.

Leaping, lunging, plunging, and still I rise to a leap of faith! “Keep it Moving,” is what I always say, when coming to an obstacle, or when something slows down my direction! Scripture tells us to keep your eyes on the prize, but how can you see clearly when your eyes are cloudy with tears. As long as I was home, seeing family and friends, or traveling to different places and out of the country, life was grand! But then another test of faith came upon me. I left my hometown of Brooklyn, New York; left a newly built home that I lived in for only 4 years; left my adult son Lamont, parents (of which my dad is deceased now); a brother Kerwin (who passed in July 2017), and a host of friends. I had a pie job, made excellent money and not a care in the world! I always wanted to move South, but I was quite content staying put. But God told me to leave New York. When He calls, are you willing to follow, or feel that God made a big mistake?

As a disciple of Poplar Spring Christian Church, I started the liturgical dance and drama ministry. I became a minister, taught Sunday School, Bible Study, sang in the choir, and served food to the homeless, just to name a few things. Then no job, no income, about to lose houses, car repossessed. Did God make a mistake or I didn’t hear clearly?

Then June 11, 2008, I was in a car accident which left me with fragmented glass in my scalp, a fractured lumbar 5 on lower back, fractured pelvic bone (which prevented me from walking) and a badly sprained ankle that the doctor and nurses said would have been better if it was broken! I was told surgery was needed to place rods in the pelvic bones that broke. I had heart monitors on vital areas, neck in a brace, on IV, couldn’t go to the bathroom, on morphine for pain, and now I’m asked, “Who can take care of you when you go home? It must be someone that can cook three meals a day and snacks in between, help you go to the bathroom through the night if needed, take a shower, open the door for nurse and occupational therapist to work on you and take you to the Orthopedic doctor.” Well, you guessed it! Off to Blue Ridge Rehabilitation I go, located behind Crabtree Valley Mall. It is now called Hillcrest Rehabilitation Center. My first day there, I cried like a baby! The doctors asked the nurse, “Is she in pain? What’s wrong?” The nurse whispered, “She’s trying to adjust to her first day here.” I’ve gone through some challenges, but God, why me? The hardest part of all was not the broken bones, but dealing with a broken spirit! How do you mend that?

But God in His infinite mercy showed favor, because I could have been in a permanent sleep! I ministered to residents of different faiths from the wheelchair while I was there, even to CNA’s who were treated unkindly from the residents’ family members. I was hidden in the secret place to be healed without any surgery, to come back and minister since then, to those that are broken! I had to become broken, in order to be healed!

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FRANCESTAN HUNTER “I Am Just A Mama” First, I want to give honor and glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has made me who I am in spite of myself. I am a Woman of God, wife to my darling husband Harry for about forty years, mother of 13 and grand mama of 12 and counting. That is my life in a nutshell. It may seem mundane to most, but the Lord blessed me a long time ago to embrace M.O.M. (The Ministry of Motherhood). Raised the youngest of two and more like a tomboy, I never saw this coming. I didn’t even like to babysit as a teenager. After turning my life over to the Lord, the first instruction he gave me was to go home and raise my children (mind you I only had two at the time).

Well, I was obedient to his call and my journey began. My children are stair steps. The biggest gap is two years and five months. (Tip #1 Breastfeeding is not a form of birth control). The eldest is Ebony Marie 38 better known as second mama, Harry Xavier 36, Zacharry Daniel 34, Joshua 32, Francena 31, Faith 29, Caleb 27, Hope 26, Charity 24, Joy 23, Grace 21, Silas 19 and Paul the baby 17.

I tried many years to be a good mother but I quickly learned that I needed God’s grace to get me through. It was overwhelming, chaotic and stressful at times because how do you really raise humans with free will? There are so many lessons that I learned like when to hold on, when to let go, total faith in God, staying hopeful in adversity, loving without conditions, joy in the midst of sorrow and that His grace is sufficient. We made it living off what Jesus provided through my darling husband and so many other doors God opened. We were constantly upgrading our family vehicles. We started with a Pinto and ended up with a 15-passenger van. At one period of time we had three babies in car seats. It seemed hardest when we had 5 children under the age of 8 and 3 were in diapers. We survived layoffs, bankruptcy and more but my God never left me nor forsook me. Some may ask would I do it again? I don’t know but what I do know is that I couldn’t imagine my life without my baker’s dozen that has made me a joyful mother of 13 children.

My children grew up playing sports and the Lord blessed some of them to receive basketball and academic scholarships to help pay for college. My baby girl is set to play for North Carolina State Women’s Basketball Team next season. So far in our family we have been blessed with college graduates, military soldiers, managers, child care providers, artists, models, entrepreneurs, dancers, athletes, musicians, singers, car salesman, real estate broker, chefs but most of all young men and women of God. We aren’t perfect but we work hard at staying connected by always loving and forgiving one another. We do what we can to support and encourage each other because when one win we all win. Family is very important to God and children are His special blessing that He loans to us. They are not a ready-made blessing but If we take the time to train them up in the Lord, Jesus has promised that they will not depart. I am holding Him to His word.

I am so honored to be chosen to be a Woman of Triumph even though I am just a Mama.

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GENNIE ELLIS I am grateful to be alive to share my story. Having a stroke is deadly enough but driving down the highway and encountering this dilemma is subject to an enormous tragedy that could have affected many innocent families.

When I pulled over to the side of the road, I realized that my left side was paralyzed.

Ironically my girlfriend called and we were able to get EMS to my location. I spent 30 days confined to my hospital bed at Concord Medical going through numerous tests and analysis before it was discovered that I had Moyamoya.

If this term is totally foreign to you, rightly so. Moyamoya disease is a rare, progressive cerebrovascular disorder caused by blocked arteries at the base of the brain in an area called the basal ganglia. The name “moyamoya” means “puff of smoke” in Japanese and describes the look of the tangle of tiny vessels formed to compensate for the blockage. This Asian disease is not common in Americans.

I was 27 years old and was in and out of the hospital. Every week I was having a mini-stroke. They tried an experimental angiogram. That was the wrong surgery. I was having strokes at the same time as my Grandmother who raised me. My Grandmother died a week before my brain surgery on October 21, 2005. It was difficult going into this dangerous surgery not having the prayers and support of my Grandmother. The thought of possibly waking up on the other side and seeing her face was bittersweet. While I didn’t want her to leave this world, I wasn’t ready to leave my precious child either. The surgeons discovered that both sides of my brain were bad. They performed the first ever Brain Bypass Surgery in 2005 at WakeMed Hospital on me and once again, I survived.

In 2009 while teaching at Hillside High School in Durham, I had a mini-stroke during class and I had to have a second surgery.

My face was crooked for six months after the first surgery accompanied by slurred speech. I had to walk with a walker and learn to take care of myself. I relocated from Charlotte to Greensboro. Normally, people degenerate and some die from this condition. However, I depended on faith and prayer to bring me through. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is a Healer and regardless of what I was going through, He had a plan for my life. When you see me shouting, just know that I know what I’m shouting about. I am so thankful that I am in my right mind, that God led the precision of the surgeon’s hands, that I can personally raise my children and they know their true mother’s love and I can share the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

In 2015 I married the love of my life; my heartbeat and we are enjoying Jesus together. In my profession I am able to minister to women through my salon. When they sit in my chair, they not only leave with a beautiful exterior but with a spiritual seed sown to enrich their lives.

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GWENDOLYN HENDERSON There are some problems, pitfalls, downward spirals and downfalls in life amongst women and this problem at times starts with a man.

When I was very young, I started working on a great job, thriving and doing tremendously well as a single parent. I bought a brand new home built from the ground up.

Later in life I got married and everything started going downhill; however, I stayed married for about 20 years despite my former husband’s addiction. We eventually separated, I relocated, and I landed on my feet. My husband and I reconciled but nothing changed. He still had the same addiction and habits. WOW, it is amazing how a person can be married all those years and yet end up by themselves (alone) because of a spouse with an addiction. It really has an emotional effect on your mind and you can go into shock and say to yourself, ‘Is this really happening to me?’ However, one of the ways I dealt with it was staying in a lot of prayer to keep my sanity. God kept me even though we ended up divorced but we still communicated. It was fruitless because the relationship deteriorated even more.

During the course of my marriage, I lost everything including my home. It was devastating for me. I was driving down the highway crying and saying to God, ‘God I have lost everything and I do not have anything!!!’ But then God spoke to me and said, “You have not lost everything”, and I say, ‘What? God what do you mean that I have not lost everything’. I began to name in my mind to God all the things I have lost, then God says to me that it is when I have lost HIM, that is when I have lost everything.

Suddenly, I came to my senses, dried my tears and said to God, ‘Oh no God, I do not want to lose you. I need you Jesus to survive!’ Though I had gone through a period of homelessness, God kept me through it all. I finally got some stability again and got a new career working in Corporate America. God is so good, He gave me life.

In 2014 I had a stroke. I was paralyzed on my right side. I lost my voice, was very incoherent, lost my ability to walk without assistance. I was constantly passing out. I was dying. I was carried by ambulance to one hospital who did the best that they could to stabilize me. They transported me to another hospital that was more equipped and I was placed in intensive care and placed on life support. I had fluid in my lungs, pneumonia, on a feeding tube, different organs were attacked. I was on several tubes & monitors and was hospitalized for about a month; however, God was with me in my near-death experience. I felt myself leaving but yet I was in no pain, no worries and so much peace; a peace that surpassed all understanding. However, after God resurrected me and HE woke me up, that is when I felt the effects of the pain but God was yet with me. HE blessed me. I went from wheel chair, to a walker to walking on my own. Though I went through Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy for several months, God worked a miracle in my life.

I pastored over 20 years in Houston, Texas and Petersburg, Virginia at Christian Charities Deliverance Church. I currently minister through Prophetic Prayers That Availeth Much in Petersburg, Virginia. Stay tuned for the rest of the story.

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JANA TODD “Nobody is Born Wise” – Afrikan Proverb.

I give homage to my ancestors, who are now positioned outside of time, and gazing inwardly providing me instructions and guidance, of which I am receptive to through my intuition. My lineage, my lifeline, those who continue to live fervently through me, I in them and them in me; these are my Heroes!

I am convinced that some things must fall apart so that other things can fall together! I did not choose this life; this is the story I was born to tell. I am originally from Indianapolis; Indiana and I am a seven-year army veteran. I have toured Europe extensively and brought from my military experience a foundation of discipline and leadership. For over 20 years I have traveled as a Life Coach/Motivational Speaker and am currently on tour with my life story “Where Do Eagles Rest?” courageously sharing my “Supa Model Story.” Annually I grace the platform as a keynote at “The Well Woman Conference” in Milton Keynes, England.

“The Man in the Black Suit” part one of my life story has just released and is now available on Amazon! I have founded numerous companies to include: Positive Images Entertainment Company, Positive TV Network (PTN), The Meeting Place Learning Institute and The Piece Publishing Company, building them simultaneously. I sit at the table with over 25 years of managing and coordinating experience and over 18 years, writing, creating and producing talents. My television/radio career spans over 25 years. Honing my talents with media giants like “Time Warner, Viacom, AT&T Media Services, and WFSS 91.1 FSU Radio.

However, this is not where I began… Even in my Mother’s womb, I had to learn to become accommodating and be my brother’s keeper. Why? Because my brother was in there too, I am a twin. After our arrival, we clung to life together inside of an incubator for six weeks, and we survived on purpose. My father was not my Champion; he enslaved me to a life of incest from age 9-15. I was sleepless in Indianapolis guarding my innocence from my own father. The man who was supposed to protect me and teach me, the man who I was supposed to be able to come and sit on his lap and call him daddy. Promiscuously, my sweet sixteen was forfeited to motherhood, a direct result of looking for love in all the wrong faces. I spent my high school freshman year at a school for pregnant teens, with girls like me, who had not counted the cost, of saying yes… instead of no. Believing that nothing good could come out of Indianapolis for me, at age eighteen, I joined the Army, utilizing this joint venture as my mode of transportation to my “Supa Model” career to Europe. However, the reality of the situation is, that it was a training ground to groom me for commitment, submission, discipline and to hone the leader inside of me.

Ready and set to go, upon my launching pad a man shot and killed my mother in front of me, shot me three times and shot my sister in the head, leaving us all for dead. The world all around me, life as I knew it, everything I loved, it all changed. This “paradigm shift” in my life left me with a choice to “Ride or Die.” I chose to RIDE and here I am. I am grateful to be able to share my story and to stand as a living example that time is Masterful in the Healing and Transformation process.

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KIMBERLY DIXON Kimberly Dixon is an enigma. Upon meeting her, you are engrossed with a light that exudes love.

You would never know her journey through life provided her so many ups and downs, or that she didn’t like to even be around people for many years of her life. In the middle of her enveloping hug, you couldn’t imagine the pain of her past, the traumas she experienced, or the difficult journey. A survivor of 11 surgeries which left her body scarred, the first at the early age of four, Kimberly Dixon is an overcomer. She has been able to transfer the scars of her past into healing mechanisms. She wears her physical scars as proud badges of honor for everyone that she connects with to see.

Christian Life Coach, blogger, speaker, and author Kimberly Dixon developed arthritis in her preteen years as a result of extremely bowed legs. This, she would say, began her journey towards later becoming a life coach.

As the arthritis worsened through the years, it brought several challenges, including severe pain. The pain was so unrelenting that she knew that she had to draw on God for her strength. She began to focus on a closer relationship with Him, which grew to another level. She began to notice a change in herself. Sadness had turned to joy, and she was able to find her calling. Her desire to help mend the broken hearts of those suffering with chronic pain led her to life coaching.

Her company Joyful Living with Kimberly Dixon is named to reflect her mission in life, to provide a haven and resources for people who are experiencing various levels of pain, yet don’t know how to manage it. She knew that if she experienced sadness and anxiety about her condition, then others with chronic pain had, or were as well. She has opened up her life in complete transparency to be a light for someone else. Her story provides inspiration that has blessed thousands of people who subscribe to her YouTube channel, have received her coaching, read her books, and more.

She is the self-published author of I Have Arthritis, Now What? (Ways to Manage Arthritis Pain), I Need a Knee Replacement, Now What? (How to Prepare for Knee Replacement Surgery), and I Had a Knee Replacement Now What? (What to Expect After Knee Replacement Surgery), which has a companion journal. These are all guides for pain sufferers, especially those dealing with knee replacements, arthritis, and other areas of pain. In these books, Kimberly offers ways to manage pain, while also providing tips to prepare for and recover better from major surgeries. Her autobiography, Can These Bones Live Again?: Walking Through the Eyes of the Broken will be released this Spring.

The baby girl of seven brothers and sisters, most cherished daughter to a father who she adores, and mother who helped to ignite the strength she carries today, Kimberly is a small town girl from Walnut Cove, North Carolina who you will never forget.

She is truly a Woman of Triumph.

Written by: Kimberly Winborne ​

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O’JETTA MILEY-LATULA “From Disabilities to the Abilities of God” A Native of Dublin, Georgia but raised in Atlanta, I grew up with both parents until I was 10 years old. My Mother remarried, but I experienced personal challenges. I was the only child for 17 years until my beautiful sister came. Throughout it all, it created within me low self-esteem, emotional eating and a nervous condition.

I moved to Raleigh, NC after High School to attend Saint Augustine’s College in August 1990, without knowing anyone. During my junior year of college, I got pregnant with my son AJ who was born at 24 weeks but only survived 5 hours after birth. After his death, I sought individual counseling, support groups and changing my environment but nothing worked. After being accused of his death, I encountered off and on physical abuse in my relationship until I was pregnant again.

My daughter Jordana, was born on August 17, 1996, three months premature at 26 weeks. Weighing one pound 11 ounces, she was diagnosed with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, a disease which causes severe brain damage and delayed motor skill development. Because of this diagnosis, the doctors said Jordana’s vision and hearing would be severely disabled and she would need the assistance of a feeding tube.

In October 1996, while Jordana was in the Neonatal Care of the hospital, I dedicated my life to Christ under the late Bishop Frank and JoeNell Summerfield of Word of God Fellowship in Raleigh, NC. I was so hungry for change to cure the fear, pain and shame. After 3 months, my boyfriend started the physical abuse again with substance control. Although it was tough, I discontinued the relationship because I didn’t want my child to experience the same traumatic childhood I went through. I started experiencing the Power through the Word of God, attending church regularly, listening to the ministry tapes, learning that Jesus died and rose on the 3rd day to heal, deliver and set me free from all the torment. Learning how to overcome and help others with my testimony became my mission.

Jordana is now a 21-year-old, who loves the Lord, Christian music, her iPad and touch screen phone even with a low functioning left arm. She’s very sociable, active at church, her school and in the community. She has 20/20 vision, her hearing is excellent, she can feed herself, use the bathroom facilities with assistance and works hard to be independent. Her disability has never stopped us, from helping Jordana experience a better quality of life…. from plane rides, skating, swimming, amusement park rides, etc. I would say, “We can do all things through Christ who empowers us”, Philippians 4:13 (AMP) ~ it may be a little different.” I went back to St. Augustine’s College 18-month night program and completed my bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management and was featured on TBN in Atlanta, Georgia both in May 2009. I have worked in Group homes, Computer Analysis Supervisor and for over 4 years I have been an AFL (Assist Family Living) with one foster son in our home.

I was a single parent for 18 years until I married my best friend of 10 years, Shawn Latula in February 2015. We are Pastors of the City of Truth Christian Center in Garner, NC. I have been Pastoring 12 years, under the Spiritual Leadership of Pastor Kevin S. Rogers in Lakewood, Washington which is under the Covering of Dr. Bill Winston of Forest Park, Illinois. All relationships in my story have been reconciled. “Through God’s love we are operating in the Abilities of Jesus!”

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STACIE HUGHES AND RICHARD BEBO UNITE

Stacie Hughes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Hughes and Richard Bebo, son of Mary Ann Bebo were united in holy matrimony on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at two o’clock in the afternoon at Saint Madeleine Sophie in Guilderland, NY. Stacie and Rich met in 2015 where both were officers with the Civil Service Employees Association. Stacie was the Vice-President for Local 697 New York State Police and Rich was President of Local 687, New York State Department of Transportation.

“I knew from the first day we started dating that I would marry her one day,” says Rich. It wasn’t your storybook proposal when he finally popped the question though. They were going on a wine tasting tour in April of 2016 when Rich and Stacie’s best friend came up with this extravagant plan to find the perfect background setting during the tour where he would ask Stacie to marry him. It would be picture perfect just like in the movies. Contrary to all good plans, the scenic proposal turned into a nervous and anxious Rich being on one knee in a hotel room the night before the tour because he could wait no longer. He just wanted to hear the magical “yes” coming from her lips. Rich hadn’t slept in days but that was a direct reflection of their relationship; unorthodox and unconventional.

Anxious to get married in the Fall, the couple decided instead of rushing to plan carefully and set the date for October 21, 2017. The wedding was AMAZING! The bride wore an ivory and blush Stella York ball gown with Swarovski crystals. She was escorted by her father, Mr. George Hughes. Following the wedding, a reception was held at Mallozzi’s in Rotterdam, NY with 170 family and friends celebrating their special day.

Instead of favors, the bride and groom donated to the American Heart Association on behalf of Mr. Hughes who is suffering from heart disease. He had a double bypass surgery two years ago and uses a pacemaker.

The couple’s honeymoon was a 7-day cruise departing from Manhattan on the Norwegian Cruise Line with stops in Florida, Stirrup Cay and Nassau. The couple will reside in Albany, NY. Written by: Peggy Tatum

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