Letter From The Editor

In life challenges occur, adversities arise, trials and tribulations appear, and when they do, if not careful, they can shift the trajectory of our life. Pain, hurt, and disappointment can isolate us from our dreams, hopes, and aspirations. I'm here to encourage you that regardless of what you're facing or how you feel, "You Can Make It." Although you have faced many challenges in life that have caused you to question your faith in GOD, lose who you are as a person, or distance your dreams, I challenge you today to not quit on GOD, nor quit on yourself by believing GOD and His WORD. Mark 9:23 says all things are possible to him who believes. You must believe that GOD loves you and that your life is not over. Also, believe that no matter what is happening to you, GOD has so much goodness in store for you. The first step, however, is to believe in GOD. My pastor and grandfather, Dr. Oscar J. Nelson Dowdell-Underwood, said, "when you align your believing, your choosing and thinking will automatically change." In other words, your believing has the power to influence and drive your thinking and choosing. Therefore, you are what you believe. Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he."

So, if you think your dreams are over, if you think you're a failure, if you think you'll never find yourself again after so much hurt, if you think you can't overcome that struggle or be delivered from that demonic stronghold, I have news for you….." You Can." You can get out of that struggle. You can dream that dream. You can live that dream. You can start that business. You can be free from that demonic stronghold. You can make it through whatever you're facing. First, you must believe GOD, believe that you can do it, and see yourself being freed of any spirit that is not elevating you, overcoming challenges, and manifesting your GOD-given dreams.

As you read different articles in this magazine and flip through the pages, I pray you will feel inspired and encouraged on your journey. People you know and don't know are depending on you to make it. People are relying on you to give them hope. People need your gifts. People need your story so they can be empowered to make it, so you can't give up!

I want to acknowledge and thank my husband, Oscar Ja'Marqis Underwood, III; my parents, Vernie and Michelle Starks, Tracy and Tiffanie Naylor; my grandmother, Dr. L Helen Underwood; my siblings, and my aunts for all of your unending support and encouragement on this journey. I couldn't thank you all enough. Thank you all for your sacrifices, prayers, and encouragement. Each and every one of you has made this possible!

I want to give special honor and thanks to my Apostle, Pastor, Mentor, and grandfather for teaching and coaching me, especially when I needed guidance and directions so that what was trying to destroy me, by GOD'S Grace, couldn't. Thank you for your example and for never giving up on me. Thanks to you, I am literally experiencing this moment and forever grateful for all the sacrifices, prayers, and encouragement you have provided me.

I want to thank Betty Hines for your gifts and how you have helped me and encouraged me. I want to thank all the contributing writers for using their gifts to be a part of "You Can Make It Inspiration Magazine." I also want to thank everyone who has supported, prayed, and encouraged me on this journey. To my mentor, family, friends, supporters, and readers, "May God be gracious to you and bless you and make His face shine upon you." (Psalm 67:1, NIV)

Leticia Starks-Underwood

Leticia Starks-Underwood Editor