The Unleashed Voice Magazine 2018 September - October Spirituality Issue

THE EDITOR’S LETTER |THE EDITOR’S LETTER |

I GOT GOD BECAUSE GOT GOD?

A worthy question to ask same-gender loving people is how do they feel about GOD? Historically, marginalized people have often been denied access to a loving GOD. As unworthy peasants doomed for living the way we were born, we were given a GOD of merciless condemnation and hell. We know that “Church Hurt” is real. This type of treatment can affect the witness of GOD and cause one to turn their back and never return. I rebuke those teachings and beliefs and today offer you an option, or better yet proof, that you too can GET GOD!

I have anxiously awaited the release of this September – October 2018 Spirituality Issue of TUV Magazine just to ask and provide a variety of answers. This issue is particularly personal to me because Spirituality and God have been among the most constant presences in my life. You see, I was raised in the South, aka the “Bible Belt”, by a family of religious fanatics. I say “fanatic” in a loving sense because their reverence reflected their love for God in a manner that suited them. The oxymoron in this relationship would surface when their projection of God onto me fell miserably short in the lives they lived.

It wasn’t until I was able to remove the GOD I was given through birthright, that I got to know GOD for myself. I know this may sound all too cliché but believe me, I’m speaking from the Book of Life! GOD is not a mystical deity that eludes us or is never present. GOD is omnipresent. Trust me. GOD gets you because GOD is you. Even in your faults, twirls, curls, and sexual identities, God got you!

In order to carry out our vision, we intentionally sought interviews and solicited contributing writers to “Rah, Rah” our readers. I wanted to make a profound difference in someone’s life about the goodness of having a spiritual connection with something higher than you. I wanted to offer reconciliation, hope, encouragement, and a lifeline to those who are still suffering.

I’d like to think of this issue as a “Collector’s Edition” because I know without a doubt it will be well-received. Go ahead, get comfortable, and allow the story of our cover feature on Mr. Marvell L. Terry II to inspire you. Contributing writer Monika M. Pickett will take you vicariously on her spiritual journey. Dr. Davin D. Clemons, Editor of TUV Magazine, will ignite your inner advocate to fight against religious dogma and Brennan Villines will inspire you to fight for your life to live out your dreams. Go ahead, dive in, and connect with us if this issue helps you in any way! Connect with us at info@tuvmag.com and share your revelations!

Your Sister in Truth! Gwendolyn D. Clemons,

Editor-in-Chief of TUV Magazine