Today's Purpose Woman Winter Issue

TODAY’S

PURPOSE WOMAN

TRUST GOD IN NEW BEGINNINGS Embrace A

FRESH START!

5 VITAL POINTS THAT ARE NECESSARY FOR A A FRESH START

TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN

CRISTINA CAIN A NEW SEASON!

Plus

CINDY GRIFFITHS STORY: THE ROAD TO FORGIVENESS

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UNWRAP THE GIFTS GOD HAS PLACED ON THE INSIDE OF YOU!

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CONTENTS WINTER 2016

IN THIS ISSUE

10

SCRIPTURES FOR A SOUND MIND

14

A FRESH START

17

CINDY GRIFFITHS STORY: THE ROAD TO FORGIVENESS

Take your mind back with these powerful scriptures.

By Sherrell Valdezloqui

Venessa Abram provides tips on how to finally have a fresh start in life.

How Cindy Griffiths forgave the woman who took the lives of her loved ones.

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TODAY’S

PURPOSE WOMAN

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TRUST GOD IN NEW BEGINNINGS

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COVER STORY CRISTINA CAIN: A NEW SEASON

By Stephanie Daniels

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TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN.com SEE WHAT WE’RE TAKING ABOUT ON TODAYS PURPOSE WOMAN ONLINE

I HAVE LEARNED A FEW THINGS SharRon Jamison life coach, speaker, visionary and author of I Have Learned A Few Things shares some of the things life has taught her and how she's allowing God to use her to help heal and liberate others.

“I Have Learned A Few Things” deals with life, love, and living – being authentic, getting clarity, choosing friends, loving a partner, success, forgiveness, necessary endings, redefining faith – topics that we all struggle with from time to time. It is packed with everyday wisdom that people can easily digest and immediately apply to their lives.

PODCAST: A conversation with Breast & Ovarian Cancer Research Scientist Dr. Colletta Orr

WHAT TO DO WHEN HE’S NOT INTERESTED IN ATTENDING CHURCH

DEFEATING THE SPIRIT OF GOSSIP It’s time to defeat the spirit of gossip for good.

Find out steps and scriptures on how to do so online.

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PUBLISHER’S Letter

Happy Holiday’s TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN, it’s the holiday season a time where friends and family gather around and celebrate with a feast and reflect on what they are thankful for during Thanksgiving, the birth of Jesus Christ during Christmas and for many a New Year as of January. I celebrate with you and encourage you to stay focused on God and His purpose in your life.

I want to encourage those who may feel a little funny about how the election went to remember and focus on Psalm 118:8. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. IF you put confidence in man you’ll be disappointed and not to say that this is intentional but we as human beings can only do extraordinary things when we are led and are vessels for God. Anything outside of God has a limit and won’t go far.

Enjoy your holidays, make up in your mind to step out on faith and do something new. But most importantly strive to live for God and live on purpose.

PUBLISHER Sherrell Straker-Valdezloqui

CONTENT EDITOR Angela McClain- AM EDITING

WRITERS Sherrell Valdezloqui Stephanie Daniels Venessa D. Abram

GRAPHIC DESIGN S&V Designs

WEBSITE ADDRESS www.todayspurposewoman.com

Until next time, Sherrell Valdezloqui Publisher

Cover Photographed by Alfred Lopez Photography

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SCRIPTURES FOR

A SOUND MIND by: Sherrell Valdezloqui

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Do you find yourself struggling with keeping a sound mind? Have you lived with negative thoughts for so long that it has just grown on you and you have accepted it as being normal? Perhaps you're always

struggling with anxiety, grief, fear or is this is not of God, worry. The bad news yet women and men of God struggle with their thoughts more often than you think.

The good news is there is a way to have a

sound mind.

For most people who are struggling with

keeping a sound mind,

thoughts/illustrations of negative things come without notice when the demonic spirit feels you've to entertain you. accepted their invite

How does one accept a demonic invite to do as they please with your thoughts? It that perhaps you've starts with thoughts laughed at a few times instead of immediately shutting down.

Ephesians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Here are a few Scriptures you can use to help control your thoughts leading to a sound mind:

Colossians 3:2 tells us to set our minds on things above, not on things on the earth.

When you begin to take your mind back with this verse, you are serving notice to the enemy that you are no longer interested in what he has to show you.

2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

1. Driving across a bridge and the thought to see what would of jerking the wheels happen.

Every word or picture that comes from Satan is a lie. Recognizing and discerning this will catch him in the act giving you the power to shut him down.

Although thoughts pop up without warning, you are still aware of them in your mind, which still gives you control.

2. When someone is holding a conversation with you, an illustration of something negative automatically pops up that may seem funny or amusing in an ungodly way.

Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

3. You haven't forgiven someone, so the enemy brings thoughts concerning the incident and you begin to play what you should have or could have done to get even.

Romans 8:6 “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”

Here are some examples of thoughts triggered by demonic spirits:

4. Thoughts of fear, anxiety, worrying and grief.

The list goes on as to the devices the enemy uses to play with your mind. After all, your mind is the battlefield in which spiritual warfare takes place.

Matthew 21:22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Having a sound mind is part of God's will for your life. There is so much more you can do and battles that can be victorious if your mind is free. Pray and ask God for a sound mind and believe that He can and will do it.

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MERCY

GRACE SALVATION GOD GAVE US THE PERFECT GIFT- JESUS CHRIST

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A FRESH START

By Venessa Abram

God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.

Don't throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back

from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! Psalms 51:10 The Message

As I journey through life, I am constantly learning there are times in our lives when

we are at a crossroad and God reveals certain areas of our lives that must be realigned with His call and purpose. I am in a season of pain that I can say in faith, God has purpose for it all. As I write this, it was two weeks ago today that my closet

sibling, my brother was laid to rest. The death was tragic and there are so many questions and answers we may never get.

However, I know for a fact God is allowing me a fresh start, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, the pain I am enduring shall not be in vain. I have faith that God will use my pain for my good and His Glory.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 A fresh start consists of having the opportunity to begin anew regardless of past issues, mistakes, flaw and choices.

Fresh starts will enable one to learn from their errors and become wise in all of their ways as they press forward day to day.

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On a personal note, I am praying and me with a fresh start. asking God to help

2)

Know that pain IS life’s greatest teacher. Listen with humility and attentively.

3)

Understand pain will make you stronger, wiser, and humble.

4)

Realize pain will manifest “A Fresh Start” if you look to the hills where our help comes from.

During fresh starts, God is the only one that will get you through obstacles, tests, trials and tribulations that ultimately results to a closer relationship with God.

Here are some areas I am praying God will bring in divine order: I have been on medical leave for several months due to medical issues and will return in two weeks.

and very demanding I work in a stressful environment that requires over and above one person’s capacity to get tasks

completed.

As I return to work, I realize that the environment has not changed, but I have.

Therefore, I will create a “Prayer of Action” to look for a less stressful position, all while I continue to hone my brand and complete tasks in a remarkable manner.

Hence, understanding a fresh start is necessary in order to be effective utilizing my gifts, time and talent.

For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of and of a sound mind. power and of love 2 Timothy 1:7 talents, to another, To one he gave five one, each according to two, and to another, his own ability; and he went on his journey.

Matthew 25:15

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.

Ephesians 4:7

Here are five vital points that are necessary in order to embrace a fresh

start:

1) Understand there IS purpose in

pain.

“A Fresh Start” will render God’s grace and mercy that we need every moment of the day.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 To conclude, it’s in our “Fresh Starts” that we Self-Discover who we are, who we are not, and most importantly, who we are becoming. Self-Discovery – A Daily Journey is the epitome of how we should embrace each day with the mindset of becoming better from trials, tribulations and the pains of life. Upon tapping into the mindset and understanding that we are capable of change, realignment and readjustment, a mental shift should begin.

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TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN You spend so much time looking beautiful on the outside and there’s nothing wrong with that. But how’s everything looking on the inside? Let Today’s Purpose Woman magazine minister to your spirit.

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Cindy Griffiths

The Road To

Forgiveness In her grieving, Cindy tried to make sense of a senseless act. Realizing that her enemy is evil itself, Cindy summoned the courage to reach out to Verma, the young Native American mother. In a letter, she informed Verma that she did not hate her and she too was not perfect. Through time and faith, Cindy began to see a young woman who was deeply in need of love.

Verma was set free from the lies that had kept her bound to lifelong darkness and dependency, ultimately displaying in the most tragic of circumstances that God’s unconditional love conquers all.

On June 28th, 1996 Cindy Griffiths lost her daughter and mother the instant a drunk driver careened into their van on a Nebraska highway.

What followed for Cindy and her family was grief's darkest days as they ached to cope with their loss.

Yet in the midst of their pain, they did something nearly unfathomable: the Griffiths forgave, then befriended the woman, Verma Harvey, who had taken their loved ones. The days prior to the unbearable event, life was very fulfilling for Cindy as a full-time mother of six children on Long Island, New York. In truth, for a mom who home-schooled, the start of summer vacation was exciting. Until one phone call changed her family's life forever when she learned her eleven--year--old daughter, Robyn, and mom, Janice Nicolich, had died.

Today's Purpose Woman had the

opportunity to interview Cindy Griffiths who has inspired us and shown us that love truly conquers all.

What have you learned about yourself after losing your mother and daughter?

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#HER STORY

God draws near to the brokenhearted and strengthens the weak. Through my weakness, I have experienced a power far greater than my own. I’ve also learned that God doesn’t call the equipped, but He equips the called if we are willing. I’ve learned to rely on His Spirit as I go out and give my testimony. I'm amazed at the places God has sent me to testify of HIS forgiveness, the gospel and through sharing the events that transpired resulting in the loss of my mom and daughter.

You’ve done something many feels would be very hard to do. You’ve forgiven the woman that was involved in the accident that resulted in the death of both your mom and daughter. What was it that made you finally say I’m going to forgive?

I can't honestly look at the cross of Christ and NOT forgive. What Jesus did for me undoes me again and again. I am not worthy of the great honor He showed me by taking my place on that cross. When my mother and daughter died, I prayed I said: “If I can’t have them back in this life, then I want to see MANY in Your kingdom someday as a result of this.” I just wanted God to be glorified. That would be the ultimate good and what would ultimately hurt my real enemy. According to Ephesians 6, our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against dark rulers, powers, and world forces and spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places. I knew from day one that Satan was my real enemy, the woman who caused the accident was just a tool. Yes, she had a responsibility, but I had reached out

to her with the love of Jesus, that would damage my real enemy.

Tell us about your relationship with Verma Harvey and the power of forgiveness: Our friendship was forged in fire. I have no other relationship that could ever be quite like this one. From our first letters to our first meeting and then subsequent ones, there was a very strong bond. She had received Christ and we became one in Him, a beautiful thing. Her life went from hopelessness to hopefulness, darkness to light (she was contemplating suicide when my first letter arrived bearing the gospel), self-loathing to being filled with the love of God. When I saw the changes the Spirit of God wrought in her life, I often thought of the verse where Jesus stated, “He who has been forgiven much, loves much.” It’s been a number of years now and we are not in touch as often as we used to be (we also live on opposite sides of the country), but she is a precious sister in Christ with whom I had the privilege of sharing the gospel.

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#HER STORY

The Road To

Forgiveness What should those who hear your story get from it?

My hope is that people want Jesus.

Someone struggling with grief? Let Jesus’s love wash over you and heal you.

Someone struggling with anger at God? Get to know Him for who He is as the Scriptures define Him, not your own imagination (people tend to make up their own God- one that suits their life and thinking, but thee God is completely “other”). Someone struggling with resentment and bitterness? See how God has forgiven you through Jesus’s sacrifice and then see if you still hate that person.

Get to see yourself and others the way He does (this is a huge desire of His heart!) and you will never be the same. I so want others to want Him.

And that is right. There should be justice. People often think forgiveness is letting the other person go scot-free. Where’s the justice in that? But forgiveness is NOT saying what the offender did is okay. Instead, we’re taking them off our hook and putting them on God’s hook. And God is going to deal justly with each of us. He is just and He is merciful at the same time, but as we’ve all heard before,

People ask me to come and share my “story of forgiveness” because forgiveness is very important and mine was in the midst of extraordinary circumstances. But without receiving God’s forgiveness through Christ first-hand, I don’t know how we could really have the power to forgive on a deep level. When we’ve been hurt, especially in a profound way, we want justice.

To invite Cindy to speak at your upcoming event or to learn more about her story visit her website at www.cindygriffiths.life

“ ‘ Vengeance is Mine,’ says the Lord.” We need to have a bigger picture of our God and the suffering Jesus CHOSE to endure so our own sins could be removed- forgiven.

Bio- Cindy Griffiths website

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Trust God In NEW Beginnings

By Stephanie Daniels

There are times in life when we have to admit it is time to start over. If you find yourself spinning your wheels, it doesn’t mean you have to declare defeat.

It simply means you may need to regroup, strategize and begin again. Proverbs 31 explains that we as virtuous women are to do certain things, we are to be trustworthy, hardworking, charitable, joyful, kind women.

Many women struggle with this Bible passage. While this description can seem unachievable, most women of God display these characteristics at various times all throughout their lives. To miss the mark at any given point can cause grief, shame and or frustration. We must remember that God is the author and finisher of our faith.

He has a perfect plan for our life,

as His children, we can rest in the fact that He will never leave us or forsake us. He will lovingly correct our course as we yield in total surrender to Him. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and guide you into all truth, thus putting you on course to walk in the blessings God has for you. Here are some key points for when you find yourself needing to start over.

1. The race is not given to the swift, but to those who endure to the end.

(Stay in your lane and keep pressing forward) Ecclesiastes 9:11

2. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will exalt you in due season.

(Promotion comes from God) James 4:10 3. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. (God’s plans are always higher than our plans, trust Him) Proverbs 3:5 4. The afflictions of the righteous are much, but the Lord delivered them out of them all (God is the ultimate problem solver, surrender your

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will and come into alignment with His perfect will) Psalm 34:19 If you get to the point where the job isn’t working, it may be that you are in the wrong role. Talk to your manager and or HR professional about career coaching. If your relationship isn’t working, it would be wise to slow down and seek council. It is better to end as friends than to marry the wrong person. Prayer is a powerful tool, let your prayers and supplications be known to God. Your heavenly Father cares about every aspect of your life. Allow Him to interrupt your agenda for His perfect will in your life.

Your due season could be right around the corner. Don’t be afraid to try something new and exciting. Whether it is a new career path, relationship or relocating. Believe that just like Abraham we are required to walk by faith and trust God to lead us.

It is only when we yield to our heavenly father in total surrender with childlike faith, that we can walk in the fullness of our purpose into our destiny.

Abraham and Sarah were led into the promise in spite of their fears, mistakes, and failures. God is loving and merciful. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a perfect plan for every life. Walk it out! Stay blessed and encouraged on your journey.

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#SPONSORED CONTENT

WANDA T. BROWN

WILLING HER WAY BACK TO HEALH

BY FAITH

Wanda T. Brown, is a native Baltimorean. She is a woman with a fabulous flair and zest for life. She has a heart for God’s people, which was displayed through her WTB Prayer Ministry, where she has helped families who are in distress. Her life has not been a bed of ease; she has been challenged with unsuspected health difficulties. Her mountain moving faith in God has moved her to overcome health problems, which could have taken her very life.

She stands strong with the conviction to live her life with a true commitment to change the fabric of the world around her like the great leaders of the past like Coretta Scott King, Maya Angelo and Della Reese. Nearly struck down in March 2001 by her first cerebral brain hemorrhage she held strong to her beliefs in God and was able to press through this illness which is a testament to the importance of hearing this story. Rushed to the hospital by a close friend who did not know the urgency of life she was transporting, as they entered the emergency room and she was admitted, Wanda realized that she was gravely ill. Doctors speedily worked on her and stopped the bleeding inside her brain. She was then admitted in the hospital intensive care unit. As she lay in the bed she could hear her mother on the telephone telling her sister she was not going to make it through the night.

Struck with her strength and faith Wanda yelled out, ”no” as she was overwhelmed with fear. She turned to God to say, “no” I have work to do”.

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She could not breathe. Hospital staff immediately gave her oxygen. She was too afraid to go to sleep, fearing she might not wake up. A still small voice inside of her whispered and said,“ child I wish above all that you prosper and be in the best of health.” She began to calm down and realized her faith in God was the greatest medicine she needed to cure her illness. In the end her belief is that it’s not your time until God say’s it is.

Doctors can only diagnosis the problems and give the medication. But, true healing comes from within.

Yet, her road of pain had not ended.

Four months later she incurred a broken ankle, which left her with six (6) screws and a plate in her ankle. She felt like a child beginning to learn to walk again.

Many people talk about trusting God, but her faith was put to the test of trust once again in 2006, when she was diagnosed with a skin disease call sarcoidosis, which is an unknown skin disease. This condition started eating her skin and face like a cancer. She endured this turmoil for (4) four years and thought her life was over. Knocked down to her lowest point feeling little to no self esteem, she question whether life was worth living.

God had another plan for her. That small voice inside of her began to speak again, and saying “I love you unconditionally: at that point, she realized she had to love herself through the pain and struggle of the disease. As she recovered from the impact of life once again, she found herself hit once again in 2009 with another tumor.

Then here comes a blood vessel burst in her head 2013 attack by gout in left foot in 2016 overcoming all with faith. She is now infuriated and cannot even look at her body with the pain of seeing the scars left from the many surgeries. It was like an explosion of pain that would not end!

She was only left with the clay that God had made her from and she knew then she only could trust God to heal her through her own belief within. Today she is a warrior armed to the teeth with strength to fight. She is healthy, whole and completely renewed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world!

Willing Her Way Back To

Health By Faith

Wanda T. Brown wants to inspire people who may think they are at the end of their journey to have courage. That's her story what's yours? As a result of this Wanda continues to pursue her dreams and goals; working for Maryland State Government for over 30 years. Minister, Entrepreneur as a Makeup Artist, Jewelry Consultant, model and author determined to hit the reset button and start a new life in spite of attacks. She confidently feels that she is not defeated! Her plans are to travel, speak publicly, serve others, and live life to the fullest.

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CRISTINA CAIN

A NEW SEASON

Written by Sherrell Valdezloqui Photographed by Alfred Lopez Photography TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN | WINTER 2016 24

#COVER STORY

I had briefly seen her name and a headshot photo of her early summer of this year in one of my emails. I replied to a question she had asked and then I continued on to reviewing and responding to the other emails I received. A few months later I knew the deadline for the winter issue was fast approaching. I remembered sitting at my computer desk praying and asking God who to put on the cover of TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN magazine. Immediately a face was placed into my spirit but I didn’t act immediately as I wanted to ensure it was God. After all, the face that was placed in my spirit I had only dialogued with briefly in an email.

The next day the face appeared again in my spirit. This time I knew I couldn’t just brush it off, so I began going through my emails to see if I could find the email from the lovely Cristina Cain. I found her email and immediately messaged her inviting her to be on the cover. She accepted and then we set up a time to briefly chat on the phone to talk more about her ministry as well as the mission of TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN. During our initial conversation, we covered a lot of ground. Being the woman of God that she is, as we talked, she was listening to the Lord and me at the same time. What the Lord told her to share with me, she did, and she didn’t hold back.

This initial dialogue could have easily been the interview. With God everything has a set time.

Days had passed and finally the day to interview this powerful woman of God had come.

I was excited and as always before interviewing anyone, I always pray and ask the Lord to have His way. I called into the interview conference line a little early, and shortly after, Cristina calls in. We both greet one another and with excitement, giggles. God is doing so many wonderful things in Cristina’s life and her excitement told it all.

“Sherrell, I'm so excited. There's so many new things, new projects that God has really, placed upon my heart.

My sister has a book called the Redemption of Cain; From Cursed to Blessed. It chronologically captures three years of missions, the three years of missionary work that we did locally and abroad. The supernatural was present. The Holy Spirit, I mean, we're talking some supernatural events took place. And it'll really deepen a believer’s walk. So we're excited about that book coming out in November.

With Africa we're planning a really cool docu-series, so it's kind of a reality style for South Africa. And then we start our radio show, so we're super excited about that this December,” she says.

Cristina loves media. She sees it as a powerful tool in reaching the masses.

“What's really great about media is that it's really unconventional. We've seen television utilized for the longest time in winning mass evangelism. But what I really, really, love is what Mark 16:15 says, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." What I really love about that is it really says, you know what, we're God's creation.

And that being said, He's given us so many powerful tools in reaching the masses.

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#COVER S TORY

That could look in a very nontraditional, but very effective with blogs, podcasts, magazines such as yourself, social media, dance, song, acting, paint, graphic design, eBooks, blogging, and reality television. I mean all of these different ways of media are powerful tools that many are gifted with the Body of Christ.

They never utilize because they don't think it's the way God moves. And it's so powerful because this will assist us in spreading the gospel from the utmost parts of the world.”

Backing things up a little I wanted readers to understand and know that the Cristina we are talking to now did not become this Cristina overnight. At times when we see a woman or man of God in the public eyes are being promoted to a national or global level we tend to feel it was easy. “Nobody understands that it didn't just happen overnight,” she says.

“There are daily choices we have to make that will literally set us up for our purpose even seven, ten years from now.

It's insane. I remember walking down the street with my sister and best friend at 17. I remember this street evangelist prophesied over my sister and my best friend. Then he gets to me and he says, "You are going to teach the Word, all over the world." They just started laughing. They were laughing like, you don't understand this girl. Not her, she's not going to do it.”

She mentioned how they kind of laughed at her and said not her. I wanted her to elaborate on that more. “Who was this Cristina?” I asked. We all have those moments, and for me, I was the party girl. I knew where to be, the hot spot, Monday through Sunday. And I'm not going to sit here and tell any of the readers that it wasn't fun to sin.

“GOD WAS ALWAYS WITH ME.” The devil is a liar. I had a blast. I did.

I was at the club Monday through Saturday. And then I was in church on Sunday. There was that rebellious side.

And what I love about God though, is He'll use these things. No, I looked at authority sometimes. And I thought they have no idea what they're talking about.

So really rebellious, the party girl. I always loved the Lord. That wasn't up for debate, but I wanted to live my life. I thought I had the answers. So I would definitely say the party girl, clubbing, drinking. I was definitely living that lifestyle. God, let me just say this, it's amazing. But even as a young person, we always sensed the hand of God looking back. Even after we're saved, we'll look back and say, “Oh my God.” God was always with us. For me I would definitely say it was those things that He had to refine. And my personality was one to stand up for the underdog. And what I love about God is He doesn't change your personality, but He refines it for His kingdom.” She said.

Hearing Cristina sharing her testimony was like a mirror reflection. At the age of 18, I enjoyed partying and just wanted to have a good time, I knew the Lord as well, but it felt like such a good time at the time. This is something I often reflect on a lot personally, especially the times when I knew it was no one but God that protected me during my partying days as a young woman serving her country. I wanted to stay on this subject because I knew that if Cristina and I both at the time enjoyed the party life, there’s perhaps a reader who is still out there.

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#COVER STORY

And as you begin to just cry out to Him, because you will cry out when it gets bad.

And it does get bad eventually. He says He'll never leave you. He's your---when your mother and your father have forsaken you, God is always there. Crying out to God, receiving the love of God, that is what changes you. Not somebody beating you over the head with Christ, but the fact of accepting the love of God even in all of your wickedness really will begin the transforming process for people.” Cristina says.

“I want everybody to know that when you are operating in your purpose, there is no room for depression.”

We both agreed that as the conversation continued we had so much in common. I wanted to address a survey we had taken on our social media concerning what currently discourages our readers the most. We discovered that more women are more discouraged about their career and finance more so than their relationship or health.

“You know that ties into purpose and so Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." If that doesn't bring encouragement to someone suffering depression, I don't know what will because it's true. He is saying to you, not only do I have plans to prosper you because we're supposed to prosper spiritually, mentally, physically. But He's saying, not to harm you.

Depression is a harmful thing.

I want to say that everybody suffers from depression at one point or another in their life. It's those people who suffer consistently for such a long time that they feel that there's no hope.

Let me kind of stay focused here. I want everybody to know that when you are operating in your purpose, there is no room for depression. None whatsoever because the very thing that God created you to do when you begin to activate, when you begin to implement that thing that God has called you to do within the earth realm, there is no room for depression. There is joy, even when you're getting knocked down. There's a desire to get back up because that is the very function in operation. I want to say that if you're depressed, if you want a career, you want a successful career.

You want your finances to be in order.

There are steps that you have to take.

One, you have to get into the face of God. You have to get before the Lord and you have to communicate with Him. You need to seek Him. It says when you begin to seek God, you'll find Him. So many people ignore that. You have to seek the Lord first and foremost.

“When you really desire to find out what you’re there for, He’s going to begin to speak.”

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When you really desire to find out what you're there for, He’s going to begin to speak. Not only will He speak to you, but then He sends confirmation. Those are some of the initial steps. Seeking the face of God, praying, writing down what He says, and then not launching out until you receive confirmation. Because it could be very well that God is leading you in a direction, but it may not be according to the timing, shares Cristina.

Cristina is also the author of a powerful book called, You Can Hear God, a book she says reflect on what God has taught her from the time she was 27 and had encounters on hearing the voice of God for nearly seven years. This book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Ibook and also on her website, theofficialcains.com.

Although Cristina is a single woman, she counsels married women in which she says many think she’s crazy and wonders how. “God has been teaching me for years to how to be a wife. When it's my turn, I'll have the most successful relationship. God's not concerned just about our past. It says He's a God of yesterday, today, and evermore. So when I'm about to get married, I need to know how to be successful. And there's no greater council than that of God the Father. I just want to really speak to the singles though. I want them to understand that God loves them. God has a mate for them. There's so many single girls that are looking for love in all the wrong places. Sounds like a bad country song but it's true. I really want those girls to know that God loves them. There's a plan for their life. That as soon as they begin to pursue God first and foremost, that there will be this overwhelming love. That they'll not settle for just any man that comes. They won't settle for the counterfeit.” She says.

Hearing God’s voice is very important to Cristina and is evident when she talks to you and share with you what the Lord is saying in areas of your life that concerns you. I enjoyed this interview and had discovered that because I was obedient to God for reaching out to Cristina He has used her to bless my ministry and business in more ways than I have expected.

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TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN

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SHE BELIEVED GOD COULD…

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