Issue 26 Tribute September 2019

Issue 26 September 2019

Featuring Venessa D. Abram

Editor’s Note It’s the HOT Summer time! Time to take a break and reevaluate your plan. Set yourself and your business up for Success. As the Summer is in full swing. We can get lost in the family time, the vacations and the day to day. But we have to stay focused on our goals!

Half the year is GONE! Are you on target? Is your money where you want it be? Are you promoting your business consistently? Are you even sure of what you want? Do you know what it looks like?

If not don’t despair! Take a moment, reflect and regroup! Start the last of 2019 with a plan and goals! And be prepared to work your plan! Make adjustments and move on!

Teresa Hawley-Howard CEO of WOM Enterprises Publisher, Author and Writing Coach

Teresa Hawley Howard is a best-selling author, blogger, empowerment coach, and radio host. She lives in Murchison Texas with her husband Rickey.

She is a mom and a Mimi. www.WOMEnterprises.com

Cover Spotlight

Venessa Dean Abram My faith in God and NAMI saved my life. It was my courage and God’s will for me to live, learn and let go of what I thought my life should be.

My valley of disdain, despair and pain turned into victory. You’re probably wondering how so? Well I’m glad I have your attention. You see, I made a vow to God, that if he’d help me process and embrace my pain, I would speak and testify of His goodness and glory for the rest of my life. I quickly learned, God saved me for His Glory to share my story in truth, transparency without shame nor regrets. I am very familiar with living a hopeless life full of darkness and doom. I also know what it’s like to have the gutwrenching pain from the loss of a sibling. Oh boy!! As I reflect my body tenses up and I can feel anxiety wanting to rise in me. I share this just to let you know that I still grieve today and I am sure for the rest of my life. However. I am seeking new ways, mindfulness and behaviors that will serve me well on my mental wellness journey.

I know for a fact. I am truly blessed and highly favored by God. God could have punished me and left me in a vegetative state, post suicide. But he didn’t, and I’m grateful I get another chance at life. The abundant life in Christ, which includes faith to carry me along my recovery journey. Specifically, continuing to invest in myself by learning about mental illness and the importance of living a life of wellness and balance.

The Aftermath leads to poised positioning in purpose. Which results in calculated risks that will provide a great return of investment in God. This is a PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT AND WAR CRY FROM: A LITTLE GIRL FROM 722 PIERCE STREET, FROM THE STREETS OF GARY, INDIANA, JESSE AND LAVERN’S BABY… A SUICIDE-SURVIVOR AND SIBLING SURVIVOR, FOR YOU TO JOIN ME IN TAKING WHATEVER MASKS YOU WEAR OFF TODAY. The Masks of:

SHAME, GUILT, REGRET, REMORSE, PAIN, GRIEF, UNFORGIVENESS, DECEPTION, DOUBT, DEBAUCHERY, CHEATING, RAPE, INCEST, MOLESTATION, RIDICULE, SODOMY, INFIDELITY, JEALOUSY, STIGMA, PITY, FEAR, BROKENNESS, FAMILIAR SPIRITS, INFIDELITY, ABANDONMENT, FORNICATION, LONELINESS, BULLYING, WEAKNESS, HAVING TO BE STRONG ALL THE TIME, INSECURITY, BETRAYAL, NARCISSISM, IMPOSTER, REJECTION, PRIDE, PORNOGRAPHY, LEWDNESS, HATEFULNESS, LACK OF LOVE, LUST, LYING, AND THE LIST GOES ON..

Thus, leading to me taking Off my Masks of paralyzing pain, oppression, depression, suicidal, homicidal tendencies and death. Replacing it with a life of legacy, love, light, leadership, loving and caring for myself as I hope and walk boldly in God’s purpose and assignment on my life, touch lives and changing souls, one person at a time, In Jesus Name, Amen.

I have a question for you. If I provided you with the Steps of taking off the many Masks, we where day to day, would you not only start the process, but would you finish STRONG? The Steps to Taking Off the Masks are: Stand in your truth. Embrace who you are. Good, bad, ugly and indifferent.

Psalm 139:13-16 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

After accepting your truth, that includes past pain and trauma, prepare to visit the very place of pain. The pain of molestation, rape, teen-age pregnancy, prostitution, drug dealer and user, incest, domestic violence, suicide attempts, just to name a few. Be bold and silence the stigma by getting the professional help needed in order to peel back the layers of pain and disdain.

Understand the journey is a process and not a destination. Which means, just as we learned from our environments that we became products of, it will take time and work to unlearn those things that no longer serve who we are becoming. Thus, embracing change, as we transition.

Change can be and often times be complicated. Making us fear the unknown, fearing failure and reluctant to change. This is a critical step, because it requires loyalty to God, as well as yourself by practicing obedience, with FOCUSED-FAITH.

The PREREQUISITE for this step is the implementation and execution of step three. If you have not successfully completed some of OR are in the process of, go back to step three.

Now is the time to identify, the very people, places, and things that had an impact on you. Start with the negative, then list the positive. Be aware and mindful of the energy that you receive as you make this list. These are called SIGNS and Triggers. Signs and triggers are designed to let us know what works and what will not work for us. Be very cognizant of your emotions Learn how to manage your emotions. Emotional intelligence is something many people don’t hone. Therefore, we function in dysfunction so well. As if its normal, and in actuality it is- if we haven’t done anything to create a new mindset.

Doing the aforementioned, it’s just the tip of the iceberg on how to start your journey of recovery that has kept you bound and paralyzed in painful positions that has hampered you from living freely I your God-given destiny.

Lastly, as my husband would say, “Nothing changes, if nothing changes”. Do you understand that? It takes a mindset change in order for your masks to be removed and stay off.

Romans 12:2 reminds us.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

We at SDPPP, would love to coach you through this oftentimes complicated and painful process. Contact us at www.sd-ppp.org for further information.

R2ISE meets weekly. Participants arrive with instruments, voices, skits and visual art to share and collaborate on artistic expressions that center around recovery. The group is comprised of a diverse group of individuals living with mental health and substance abuse challenges from the metro Atlanta area and surrounding counties.

Participants mutually benefit from peer support by using their gifts to share what's right in their lives. R2ISE focuses on the unique artistic gift of each individual to overcome beliefs about personal and structural limitations in order to exceed previously negative experiences.

The cast spends weeks consistently collaborating, creating and developing individual artistic pieces, along with being meaningfully present to each other. This ultimately eliminates fears, builds self-esteem, increases motivation and provides a platform for advocacy. Our message of hope is ART+RECOVERY =FREEDOM. https://r2isetheatre.org/ Alexia Jones

Self-Discovery PPP Inc. Founder Venessa Dean Abram to Hold “Taking Off the Mask” Fundraising Fashion Show to Stop Suicide

Venessa Abram has been a force for positive change inside her community and out. This vision is set to see an exciting expression on November 2, 2019, with Abram holding a Fundraising Fashion Show to mark the end of the “Taking Off The Mask” Tour which has been educating families about suicide.

Suicide is not just the loss of one life, it is something that spreads out and impacts whole families, friends and even communities. The sad thing is many or most could be prevented if resources with a voice were provided. There is no shortage of those who would testify that remarkable speaker, media personality, and mental health awareness expert Venessa Dean Abram is that voice. Venessa founded and leads the non-profit organization Self-Discovery: Pain, Positioning and Purpose, Inc, and has used the position to educate and inspire around Suicide Prevention and putting an end to Bullying. While the subject may be a dark one, Venessa realizes it is critical to shed light on it in detail, and in positive behaviors. This Event is set to go down on November 2, 2019 in Atlanta, where she recently announced she will be holding a special “Taking Off the Mask” Fundraising Fashion Show to Stop Suicide where suicide survivors, those with mental health diagnosis and caring others will be models in support of this epidemic. The event is timed to link with the end of the 2019 “Taking Off the Mask” tour, which has been an amazing success.

“Suicide education and prevention is something every family and every person in our communities should take seriously and be knowledgeable about,” commented the passionate activist. “Our Fashion Show is going to be amazing and I am sure not only will we raise muchneeded funds but the positive impact it will have on both models and guests, will be priceless.”

“Taking off the Mask: Atlanta Fundraising Fashion Show to Stop Suicide” is scheduled for November 2, 2019 at the Pickneyville Park Community Center. Registering and purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended. Tickets are $35 when ordered online or $45 at the door.

For more information be sure to visit https://www.sd-ppp.org.

Coming 2019

Ready to Become an Author If your answer to this question is YES, this class is for YOU!! This class will help dispel the myths and help you to take steps to make this a reality!

There are several ways to go about the process and some questions you need to decide before you begin. So, let’s get started right now!!

1.

How will you use your book?

a.

Sell at your events

b.

Give away or sell on your website

c.

Promote yourself or your business

d.

Launch your speaking career

2.

What’s Your budget?

This is your most important decision! So think about it carefully! This will decide everything else in your project! Once you decide on the subject; Take time to brainstorm on a title! Take out a piece of paper and write down all your ideas. You should just let the creative juices flow! Making a list is the best way to do this.

So, you can look at all your options! Ok! Now your content is chosen, your title is chosen and you have decided your budget and publishing package choice. So, it’s time to get the project going. You have to do this part with intention. You must decide to make it happen. You cannot treat it like a hobby. You must make a commitment.

Let WOM Enterprises help you make your publishing experience beautiful and amazing!

Contact us today! www.teresahawleyhoward.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF LIFE INSURANCE SHARON RENEA BLACKMON

Often the conversation about life insurance is passed over due to its sensitive nature; dying. We don’t think about are face this one common truth, we are all going to leave this world one day.

We know our birth date, but we do not know our death date. We readily prepare for other major life events. For example; weddings, graduations, anniversaries, holidays and other enjoyable events. Why is it that we neglect to prepare for death? Do we think about what will happen to our love ones? Will we leave them debt? Financial ruin? We often leave bills instead of a WILL and LIFE INSURANCE! Of course, conversations about dying and death is certainly not a sexy conversation. It’s a necessary and vital conversation that every family should be having. This is where life insurance comes to the rescue. With life insurance, not only will your loved ones be able to give you a proper burial, but there will be monies left to carry on your loved ones. They can take care of financial obligations and they can still maintain the lifestyle that you have provided for them while you were living, in death.

Listed below are some information that was reported by Forbes Magazine: “According to statistics only 10% of millennials say that they have enough life insurance in place to cover self-reported needs should they die, putting their family members at risk. This survey was reported by another insurance company in 2018. Millennials with life insurance have an average of $100,000 in life insurance protection in place, enough to cover one fifth (22%) of their self- reported coverage $452,000. That’s a coverage shortfall of $352,000”.

For information purposes, Millennials are those born between 1981 and 1996, ages 22 to 37 this year.

Life insurance is a privilege. One should purchase life insurance while young and in good health. Many won’t until they have received the bad news from the doctor. Then one will run to purchase life insurance. At this point, because of bad health, you are more than likely to be declined, or the insurance premium would be too expensive for one to afford.

A persons’ approach and outlook before purchasing life insurance should be that of a wellinformed decision and knowing exactly the right amount of coverage needed to meet the needs of burial expenses and the family needs after you are gone.

Did you know that you should purchase life insurance coverage ten times the amount of your yearly income? Yes!! One must take into consideration inflation, college intuition for children who may plan to attend college, and your financial obligations. Life insurance is also one of the best ways to accumulate generational wealth.

There’s more information to come in the next issue! For questions, concerns and quotes, please feel free to contact me. I am here to help you make the best decision and have the right coverage. We bring Wall Street to Main Street to YOUR STREET!! We are your personable insurance agents! We acre about you and the well-being of your family!

Until next time, protect your life and the lives of your loved ones!

Contact Information: Cell: (336) 954.7936 (Text also) Email: srblackmon@hotmail.com

Sheryl Ragland is a sought-after Author, Purpose Coach and Empowerment Speaker located in Winston Salem, NC. Sheryl can be reached at www.sherylragland.com or Instagram and FB @sherylragland for coaching or speaking.

Share your story and change the world!

Spotlight Dr. Ruth Anderson

"Our loved ones who have passed away are not entirely gone. As souls continue to exist after our physical death, we are still connected to each other through love. I have been shown this repeatedly through meditation, and I have experienced it with my loved ones who have passed away. Our loved ones will be there to meet us when it is our time to transition over. How will they know when it is our time? They will know because they never really left us." -- Dr. Ruth Anderson

I am Dr. Ruth Anderson. I am an award-winning, international best-selling author and founder of Enlightened World. Retired after a satisfying and worthwhile career in special education and public-school administration, I embraced my second calling, that of an intuitive reader and spiritual counselor.

After becoming a Reverend of the Church of Inner Light, I was given a ministry to witness and participate in the healing of souls with and without bodies in the ethereal realm called Open Clinic.

I serve as a conduit for the Spiritual Divinity and shares their teachings in an authentic and open manner.

Author of One Love: Divine Healing at Open Clinic, Walking with Spirit: Divine Illuminations on Life, Death and Beyond, and Listening to Light: Love Letters from Walking with Spirit, I am passionate about sharing my experiences with the Spiritual Divinity and Divine Healing Beings.

Believing that lightworkers are often isolated and distracted from sharing their gifts, I was inspired to create World. Enlightened World Online and Enlightened World Network serve to support lightworkers in building their professional visibility so they can get back to sharing their talents with the world, at a time when it is desperately needed.

Gateway to an Enlightened World: Collective Life Lessons to Support Planetary Transformation

Gateway to an Enlightened World: Collective Life Lessons to Support Planetary Transformation is a compilation of life lessons learned by Spirit-inspired authors on their spiritual journeys.

In co-creation with Archangel Michael, we created the Enlightened Women ~ Enlightened You Summit. This was my premiere online summit, and I was pleased to have over 400 participants register. We were able to foster a community atmosphere encouraging connection and personal transformation.

In 2019 I will be pleased to have created the format for a successful online summit and publish four Amazon best sellers.

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.ruth.anderson and https://www.facebook.com/enlightenedworldnetwork/ www.enlightenedworld.online

“Brittany Kyle” Written By: Angela Love Foster Photo Credit: Hannah Marie Photography I first met “Brittany Kyle” at my house. I love music, and singer/songwriter Tk Brown called me up and said... Hey can me and Brittany Kyle come over and work on a song? I said sure, C-mon over!

Folks you never know who or what you may find at my house!

Let me just say when the song is ready make sure to follow my fb page because you will want their song on your top playlist!

So, I don’t want to keep my readers waiting any longer. Here are the top questions that I am pretty sure we have all wanted to know.

How old were you when music and singing became a part of your life?

Brittany replied: Music has always been a part of my family. My Dad played the guitar and banjo, my mom sang in college and church. I grew up Church of Christ, vocals .. singing & worship has always been a part of my life growing up. My Mom would say “I came out of the womb singing”. Music has always brought me such Joy. I started writing songs at a really young age and when I started high school that was when I really tapped into writing.

There was a point in my life that I was told that I am not a good singer that I just am not good enough.

But there was an amazing person that really made music come alive for me, his name is

“Burke Brack” with Shiloh Road Church of Christ, that’s where I began to feel that fire and hunger for singing. There was a time in my life, I let the enemy win and I quit singing for the LORD, I went down a really dark path …

I started singing music that was not godly. There was a time in my life that I felt angry with GOD, I was like the prodigal son in the bible But GOD shook me up and woke me up! I started going back to church and worshipping the LORD and singing again. For me, being a part of the worship team at New Covenant and Crosspointe Community Church brought me into a deeper understanding of leading worship, and what worship really means, feels, and looks like.

It’s not just the platform or stage… It’s how we share JESUS and that is true worship.

GOD has put Music Ministry on my heart to heal, set free, and give hope. To be a light in the darkness.

What are the things that are happening in your career right now?

November 2017, I did a tour with TK Brown in Freeport, IL for THE WORSHIP FOR THE KING TOUR, we even toured a little bit in Texas. I decided to have the faith of a mustard seed and I packed my bags and moved to Illinois and GOD did some Amazing things there. I got to sing for the salvation army and I met my manager with Enzane management productions and i signed with them. GOD used me to lead praise & worship for the salvation army as well as leading & teaching/co-teaching music at a school for the salvation army in the heartland division. GOD has continued to put little things and people into my life to encourage me and to grow me. This year has been a season of growth for me. My heart foe the season I am in right now is promoting my music but, I am also in season of worship.

“Bringing people into the throne room”. One of my passions is to travel and lead worship at conferences and churches, just wherever GOD leads me and opens a door. I am currently back home in Texas, and my parents are super excited that I am back home. I have started leading worship for “Dayspring” Doing vocals and leading. The LORD’S favor has been so good to me since I moved back home. Now, I have more time to do gigs, write, and be a part of Family.

If you could give someone a word of encouragement in following their dreams what would you tell someone who may be reading this article today?

Grow from the critic that you receive, don’t take everything that they say to heart. A lot, of times you are going to get a-lot of NO’S. Just remember, that the no’s do not define who you are as a person,

artist, or individual. Sometimes those no’s can be your biggest blessing. Do not let the word NO stop you from reaching your goals and dreams. If there is one thing that I can tell somebody it is: You are important- You are enough! We are always learning and growing if you stop that then that becomes a problem. You have to remember that you are enough and we may not have all the answers, you may not be the best vocalist, or the best musician, the best dancer, singer or writer… But, do not stop doing what you love. Just because you get a no do not let fear & doubt or what other people say stop you from walking in the calling that GOD has for your life.

“Don’t let the negativity of the enemy steal your calling” Sometimes you will go down paths that seem like they are not the norm, per-say, but that is okay because He left the 99 for the one ...your words and your gifts are a blessing that GOD has given you to bless someone else.

For booking contact enzane.booking@gmail.com Follow Brittany Kyle on fb- @Brittanykylemusic

PHOTOGRAPHY: Joyce Cotton Crawford Name: Angela Love Foster Current Role: Founder of Non-Profit Boxes of Love Inc, Actress, Writer, Radio show host for the current podcast Boxes of Love Inspirational Talk, Singer, Choir Member at Lifepointe Church in Terrell Texas, Tv Show Host -Fosters the people Tv and so much more.

My Ultimate Goal Is - To be a light and share about the love of JESUS!! One Day I want to hear Job well done my good & faithful Servant.

My biggest Achievement is : Opening up my heart, Being baptized In the name of JESUS and letting the KING of GLORY change my heart and life as well as being blessed to share hope love & encouragement all over the world.

FBAngela Love Foster | Facebook FBBOXES of Love - Home | Facebook FBBoxes of Love Inspirational Talk - Home | Facebook TUMBLRboxesoflovegivegodtheglory.tumblr.com EMAILboxesoflove1@gmail.com

Spotlight Dr. Alexandro Beato My name is Dr. Alexandro Beato. I am married to an amazing woman and have three children. I am an adjunct professor at Park University, Webster University, and Brazosport College. I am passionate about learning in my pursuit of personal and professional growth. I have also increased my awareness of social and economic issues affecting people in our cities and communities. I believe that education and knowledge sharing are two excellent ways to bring positive social change to our world.

While working on my doctoral study, I came across valuable information I felt compelled to share with leaders and people in the research community. My inspiration to co-author a book was the result of my desire to share knowledge with the world and hopefully bring positive social change.

My primary goal for the three books I co-authored was to provide leaders with information they can use to promote increased organizational performance. Many leaders understand the importance of retaining top performers, but few create programs to promote employees’ job satisfaction. Reducing employee turnover is essential to the survival of any organization because knowledge retention leads to improved performance and increased productivity.

My audience are readers who are interested in exploring new insight to improve their leadership potentials and increase the performance of their organizations through the retentions of talented employees.

I have been considering publishing a book about organizational leadership. Although I do not have a start date for that project, I would like to start by the end of this year.

All of my books are available on Amazon. You can also check my author website, https://www.amazon.com/author/alexbeato for more information about my previous publications.

I am active on LinkedIn; that is the most effective way for people to contact me. You can get to my LinkedIn profile by following this link https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbeato.

Mary Kay Lip Lacquer Sets Arlene Major I have never before tried lip lacquer but I have heard others talk about it and the fact that it lasts their entire day.

Let me introduce you to Mary Kay Limited Edition Lip Lacquer. Three wonderful colors for every skin tone. This three part set allows you rich color, sealant and remover and I just have to say this‌.It really works.

There are some much needed tips to making sure you get the best wear out of you color. The initial applications I call the base color will prepare your lips. You can apply as many coats as you like but I recommend three at the most making sure to dry in between each application.

Being new to lip lacquer I put it to the test. I ate, drank, brushed my teeth and more just to see what would happen. It remained in place. I recommend to maintain shine to apply two coats of sealant as well. It may feel a little funny at first but once it dries you will find that your lips will not dry out at any time. You can apply lip gloss as well and enjoy the effects!

Colors available is Cherry, Rose and Plum! These shades will stand out and you will get a lot of compliments on your stay on power!

You can order for yourself or gift a friend for the holidays at www.maryakay.com/amajor2019 Get your holiday shopping done and get preferred gift-wrapping service when you order directly from Arlene Major, Independent Beauty Consultant, Advanced Skin Care and Color Specialist.

Email beautifulbluu1@gmail.com Phone: 443-579-5401 Facebook: www.facebook.com/flawlessbluu1 Register for FREE and become a preferred customer today and discover your Beautiful!

The Empowerment Zone with Kimberly Rashawn “Change Your Thought Process” Last month, we talked about “you can and you will.” We referenced the little engine that could and how the engine changed the circumstances around her by speaking positively. We also referenced how striking thinking also known as negative words and thoughts can be changed by renewing our mind. This month we will talk about – “Change Your Thought Process.”

Romans 12:2 (KJV) reads “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” To be transformed by the renewing of your mind means to change your thought process. Oftentimes, we tend to speak negatively instead of positively. We say things like: ‘I never win’, ‘I cannot get anything right’, ‘I will never get the job’, and/or ‘no one likes me’.

Job 22:28 (KJV) reads, “Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.” It is important that we speak positively because our words have power.

The mind is a powerful tool. It processes information and what it hears at remarkable speeds.

Let’s compare the brain to a computer’s central processing unit (CPU). Have you ever conducted a search and noticed at the top it tells you how many results were found and how long it took to process the search? The brain is the same way. It processes, files, stores, and deletes information at remarkable speeds throughout the day as well as while we are asleep.

For this reason, it is important that we guard what we hear and say while we are awake and asleep.

Changing our thought process may seem hard, but it has amazing benefits. The thought of change tends to scare or intimidate people. Change can be scary, but it is beneficial and necessary. Have you noticed the different challenges on social media? Let’s conduct a 30-day challenge whereas we cannot speak negatively during that time. I believe this challenge will serve as the catalyst to change your thought process. Once you get used to speaking positively, you will notice you feel less stressed and more focused. Join me for the 30-day No Negativity Challenge to change your thought process so we can begin to renew your mind.

8 Finally,

brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9 – KJV)

Kimberly Rashawn is a social entrepreneur, board certified professional coach, minister of dance, radio personality, author, speaker, and organizational development consultant.

Since answering her calling to serve in ministry in 1998, Kimberly has hit the ground running and serves God with an adoration and passion that is contagious. She discovered her gifts of administration, teaching, working with youth, and empowering others to walk in their purpose during her time of training.

In 2018, F.I.E.R.C.E. Women’s Empowerment Movement was established to empower women across the nation. F.I.E.R.C.E. (Fearless Innovative Empowered Resilient Confident Exuberant) strives to provide a support system for women facing challenging moments in their life, foster friendships, strengthen the family unit, and serve the community. #FIERCE #LiveFIERCE The time finally arrived for Kimberly Rashawn to pen her life story of overcoming self-hatred, developing self-love, and living a F.I.E.R.C.E. lifestyle. Her self-published book, What Made Me Love Me: Six Strategies to Live F.I.E.R.CE., was published Fall 2018.

Let’s stay connected…

It would be awesome to stay connected with you. Please like our social media pages to join our F.I.E.R.C.E. family.

Follow us on social media…

Fierce_Women_Emp Fierce Women’s Empowerment Movement I Am Kimberly Rashawn (Author page) Website: coming soon For booking or more information, please email FierceEvents6@gmail.com.

Spotlight Linda Patten Be Courageous – Dare2Lead Linda Patten is founder of Dare2Lead with Linda, international speaker and best-selling author, syndicated talk radio show host on the VoiceAmerica Empowerment Channel, leadership expert, and trainer.

Her life’s work is challenging women to dare to lead: whether it is for navigating the oftendaunting entrepreneurial world, building strong teams for a thriving business, stepping out of the shadows into the light as a leader of one’s life, or learning the leadership skills that will grow the seeds of change into a world-level movement.

With 40 years of leadership experience spanning the military, corporate, and entrepreneurial arenas, Linda is uniquely qualified to guide women on their journey of self-discovery, skills development, and a charted course toward becoming an extraordinary leader.

Her new book, No One Stood Up When I Entered the Room: One woman’s journey from command to true leadership, is her story of becoming a leader (which is every woman’s story how has I had to navigate the masculine model of leadership), and what it really means in changing the world, one woman at a time.

Through sharing my personal journey (with poignant and funny anecdotes along the way) from the masculine Command model of leadership to the feminine Influence model, I actually tell the story of all women in leadership – the masculine model we inherited and still see today which has

stifled our true potential. It’s a passionate call – and a how-to – for women to tap into their full power for an influential, purposeful life. They will also discover a slice of how to work with Millennials, who so need our guidance and mentorship to take up the reins of change in this world.

Encouragement and confidence are vital to becoming a great speaker. When I was 7, I was told I should never stand up in front of people and talk; I just wasn’t very good at it. Because of this, I hid my talent behind a curtain and along with it, my leadership. It took someone in a workshop to say to me, “I thought you would lead us in this exercise; it’s what I expect of you!” to open my eyes to my power as a leader.

I am now a Leadership Trainer for Women Entrepreneurs and Changemakers with signature programs that inspire and empower women to step out as leaders themselves. I am an international speaker and have spoken to groups as small as 5 and as large as over 600. Does the fear ever rise up in me? Surely, it does - and it spurs me on to give the best, most inspirational speech ever imagined.

It drives me nuts that only 10-19% of women hold key positions in the government or corporate, that we still hide behind the curtain, and don’t tap into our feminine as well as masculine (comfluential™) leadership that brings us true power and influence. I’m committed to changing that statistic.

I created Dare2Lead With Linda to support these visionaries in strengthening their leadership muscle, getting out of their intellectual head, getting into their hearts, and creating movements which make lasting changes to the world we live in today and tomorrow. I want to feel the deep personal connections and love that come from this work - as well as experience the prosperity that naturally follows. I also love the exploration and deep-dives I am honored to do with my clients. website: www.dare2leadwithlinda.com https://www.facebook.com/dare2leadwithlinda https://www.facebook.com/linda.patten.311 https://twitter.com/patten_linda https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindapatten http://www.youtube.com/c/LindaPatten https://plus.google.com/+LindaPatten https://www.pinterest.com/lindapatten311/ Website: www.dare2leadwithlinda.com, email: linda@dare2leadwithlinda.com, phone: 925-954-3239

Spotlight Venus Miller My name is Venus Miller and I am a married woman of GOD with seven children and three grandchildren. Currently, a double certified family and psychiatric nurse practitioner due to graduate with my Doctorate in nursing in under three months. I have been a nurse for over twenty-eight years and the experience has afforded me the ability to touch thousands of people. In this role I’m also an educator, speaker, mentor and preceptor of college students. My current position is the lead Psychiatric Nurse practitioner in charge of psychiatric evaluations and physical assessment for over 400 women and children at this homeless center. I am also an author of several multiple author books and one individual workbook.

My interest was piqued with the Mental Health Anthology because it would allow me to share, empower and educate others on the long-term effects of mental health issue that’s impacted us.

This was professional and personal in relation to my experience with domestic violence and how it effects the mind of all involved. I want to personally and professionally teach and inform others that domestic violence has many tentacles and can damage the very young and old.

My experience with mental health is professional and personal. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I’m responsible for conducting all Psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, medication management and follow ups. Personally, my family suffers from many forms of mental illness disorders as well as myself that suffer with depression as a younger woman. This experience allowed me to really see the daily struggle of the mind and the devastation it can cause.

What has helped me is my faith, surrounding myself with positive energy and mature advice that assist me with increased knowledge and continued grow. Empowerment groups, writing books, motivational speaking and giving back to my community and/or another person suffering from mental illness is the key to mental stability.

My role in “Stopping the Stigma” is to educate, impact and provoke change in the minds of individuals and this nation concerning mental illness by being a mouth piece with demonstration through social media, presentations, books and being a part of the Mental health tour 2019.

Spotlight Monica Douglas Davis My name is Monica Douglas Davis. I am a licensed professional counselor. I am a wife and mother of three children including twin daughters. I am passionate about helping people achieve peace in their lives. As a counselor people come to me with many issues but I see three main areas of emotional needs we all have which are to be secure, significant and content. These are the core issues I work with people on. Whether it is pain from past experiences stemming from childhood abuse, neglect or abandonment, or poor choices, I help people tap into their core strengths. Their inner beauty which is God given. I encourage people to take care of themselves and be salt and light.

My interest in the Voices Behind Mental Illness stems from my desire to help people live a life they can be proud of and pass on a legacy to others when they are no longer here. I strive to help people learn that we all have issues and mental illness is not something they need to be ashamed of dealing with. I found Venessa on Facebook and liked her message of stopping the stigmatization of mental illness. It aligned with my purpose, so I reached out to her. I also am a published author of a book “God Made me Beautiful, But I Didn’t Know it,” and a parenting booklet, “20 Tips for Effective parenting in the 21st Century.” so writing is one of my passions.

My struggle to be significant has been an ongoing issue for many years. I am from a family of eight children and the oldest girl, so I often had the responsibilities of helping my parents with my younger siblings. I never felt valued or loved or beautiful, so I had low self-esteem and sought to fulfill my needs outside of my home.

This led me into many dangerous situations and in unhealthy relationships. I got so low and desperate at one time in my life, I didn’t want to be in pain anymore and I became depressed. I was the walking wounded.

Through prayer and wise counsel, I was able to rebound. God is a healer and he healed my soul. I then decided to help others who had similar struggles to mine.

My faith in God keeps me strong. I strive daily to be the salt and light I encourage others to be. I work hard as a professional and as an individual to help people see their true beauty and their value and worth. Which should and only will be satisfied with their relationship with God. Man will fail you. It is our nature. God is the only true source of joy and fulfillment. People will seek vices, unhealthy relationships and even loose hope seeing to fulfill what only the one true God can give you. Peace.

I work with people with mental health challenges daily, in my private practice CARES Counseling in Stone Mountain, GA. I am passionate about helping children get their needs meet. The needs of significance, security and contentment. I help adults overcome the challenges of their past and to be a better person and parent. I love seeing people thrive and transform their lives for the better. I work hard to be a great wife and mother and I see the challenges many families face. I love seeing parents arm their children with the knowledge that they are beautiful, valuable and capable people. My purpose is to give hope and peace to everyone I work with. To be a true servant to them and show them God’s love.

Spotlight Monique “Mo” Bell Welcome to Our Normal A woman and servant of the Most High God, Prayer Warrior, Wife, Mother, Daughter, Legal Guardian to her Mother, Mental Health Advocate, Wellness Consultant, Massage Therapist, Sistah, Friend, Confidante, Triathlete and humble learner are all appropriate descriptions for me, Monique “Mo” Bell. As the journey of life continues, I am positive there will be more God has purposed for me to do for His glory.

Upon meeting Sistah Venessa Abram at a mental health event, I knew there was a divine purpose for us coming together. She has a light that shines brightly and draws you near to her., the light of Jesus. When she shared the vision of the Mental Health Anthology, I asked the Lord to guide me as to whether I should be a part of it. Her desire to stop the stigma of mental illness, enlightening others to the pain of what mental illness causes and the birthing of purpose which includes saving lives that is what attracted me to the project. We are in alignment; our testimonies must be shared and a legacy must be left.

As a result of my Mother living with Paranoid Schizophrenia and Bi-Polar disorder, I have become her Legal Guardian and now a Mental Health Advocate. My experience has come from living my life watching her go through the highs and lows of psychotic episodes, break downs and hospitalisations. To see the devastating effects mental illness can have not only on the person, but families, workplaces, communities, I knew I had to be involved not just with my Mother’s journey, but help others in similar situations. I myself was stalked, raped and stalked afterward.

That type of traumatic incident caused me to suffer from depression. When I, myself, thought life was not worth living, I knew I needed to seek professional help and did so.

The grace of God keeps us all, whether we realise it or not, and my relationship with Him is what delivered me from depression.

Prayer, meditation, physical activities and healthy relationships help to keep me Spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically healthy. Regarding my Mother, I follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit to lead me in both Prayer and action to prevent her from returning from severe psychosis by encouraging her to continue mental health treatment as directed and remaining alert to symptoms. Dialogue and support through various sources aide our entire family.

After going through so many years of experiencing my Mother in a severe psychotic state, I realised we must become involved in “Stopping the Stigma.� As with any health issue, we who have experience with mental illness are called to share our experiences, normalize the issue through education, and bring hope to those struggling. If no one talks or does something about an issue as serious as mental illness, we will not understand it, know the symptoms, how to help one another, share/develop resources and create/amend laws beneficial to those living with a mental health diagnosis. Through The Voices Behind Mental Illness, becoming a Leader in the Henry County NAMI Support Group and Ending the Silence Presenter, legislative, educational and community advocacy, I welcome you to our normal.

Spotlight Dr. April J. Libson My name is Dr. April J. Lisbon and I am an autism coach strategist, empowerment speaker, and an international award-winning author. I am the mother of three beautiful children, one who has diagnoses of high functioning autism and dyslexia.

Having struggled with my own battles of generalized anxiety for years and the stigma often associated with mental health issues, especially in the African-American community, I wanted to participate in a venture that would highlight the struggles within our community without bias.

Aside from my own struggles with generalized anxiety, I have a relative who struggles daily with bipolar disorder. I have also had bouts in the past of suicidal ideations and attempts.

Realistically, it has been my faith and my children. Knowing that I have little ones who need me to be ‘here’ with them is what keeps me going. I have also incorporated therapy, which has been beneficial to my mental stability.

Aside from lending a voice to mental illness on speaking tours and in written format, I am also an advocate in my role of a school psychologist. There is a big push in public education to create safe zones for students.

One way to ensure that our children feel safe to share their emotional journeys is to ensure that our school administrators, teachers, and staff alike understand how trauma impacts our children and ensure that the words that we speak and our actions are that of support and not unwarranted stress.

Spotlight Andrea Landry-Brown My name is Andrea Landry-Brown. I am a blessed child of God, a proud mother of two wonderful sons and five awesome grandchildren. I am an outspoken mental health / wellness advocate, mentor, trainer, educator, author / publisher and award-winning national speaker.

I had been living with my mental illness all my life without knowing there was anything ‘diagnosable’ wrong. I am an incest survivor and have gone to therapy regarding those issues, but no therapist had ever recognized the PTSD I was describing. I had experienced severe highs and lows all my life, but I was always told I was being ‘dramatic’ or ‘seeking attention’, so my behaviors were ignored. I was always told I had issues and I would be ‘ok’. It wasn’t until I experienced a catatonic version of ‘empty nest’ that a therapist took note of the other symptoms I had exhibited and officially diagnosed me with Bipolar, PTSD and anxiety.

After my diagnosis, I went through a year of denial and severe medication challenges. After I did the research on Bipolar Disorder and PTSD, I began to take an honest review of my life. The symptoms and behaviors mentioned mirrored the patterns of my life and I began to accept my diagnosis. This was when I decided I needed to help myself and become stable.

When I embraced myself and decided I needed to be well, mentally, I decided I was a Diva! The reason why I chose to acknowledge myself as a Diva is because, Divas are considered strong and in charge of their lives and circumstances. I made a conscious choice to make my life my own. I opened my heart to God and accepted that He knew where I was going to be before He formed me in my mother’s womb. I allowed Him to guide me, love me, and embrace me. He moved me forward me on my recovery journey. I’ve learned a variety of coping skills to aid me when I feel anxious, depressed, manic, and triggered through PTSD loops of trauma. I’ve learned how to reach out to my support team and take personal responsibility for my own mental stability. The Diva in me needs to be in charge of ‘Drea’, and that helps me to stand strong and love myself.

I have made it my mission in life to spread the word that mental health does not equal mental illness.

It is important to understand that every single human being on this planet has mental health but only a few have been diagnosed with mental illness. I help people understand their feelings, thoughts, and perceptions all play important parts in their individual mental health and wellness. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s imperative to embrace personal mental health and work towards managing stress, anger, worry, and depressive feelings. My ultimate role, is to change minds and perceptions of mental health and wellness, one person at a time!