Black 2 Black Magazine _ November 2022 (1)

Black 2 Black VOL. 1 ISSUE 6 MMaaggaazziinnee NOVEMBER 2022 HENRY T. SMITH God & Art Saved Me

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Table of contents 15 Feature Henry T. Smith TABLE OF CONTENT 04 Editor's Note 05 Contributing Writers 7 Tina Young-Holman 12 Tiffiney Hall 20 Janice Newman 27 Selika Corley-Funchess 30 Donita Banks 33 Matthew S. Santana Jr. 35 Pastor Demetrius Wilson 37 Berlinda Love 40 Ashley Blanshaw

Editor’s NoteHe never fails I know that for myself. Do you know him Thankful Heart Note or trust his will over your life? I thank him for the trials and triumphs because my heart is thankful for the Many people go through day to day life on a hope for things lesson on this journey. not seen yet. Whether that's a job ,family, business,pray life,etc. But hope without action can have you stalled. We He's testing us for our testimony on the other side of keep getting opportunity after opportunity but fail to act on that situation. We just have to stop complaining and it with steps in place. I find if your heart is pure in your whining and ask him to take control and allow him to actions your results end up different than expected. do his God wink. Because then it becomes God's plan for your life. Be Thankful in advance before you receive that thing you People be thankful for all things if the refrigerator not prayed about. full you have food. The car is old but you riding. The Give thanks throughout your day and try to not complain so house to small for your family you have a roof. Parents much. I know that can be hard if it's in your spirit. But if get in your nerves at least you have them somebody is you change your heart things can and will turn around. motherless and fatherless. Kids are mischievous correct their ways now but the will grow up. You may never see them but once in awhile so cherish the time. The turn around don't mean it's going to go as you plan but God will give you your heart desires if you trust him. Give Neighbors get on your nerves pray for them. Job don't him praise in advance but forever give him praise. Have a pay or overworked you have the power to change that faith of a mustard seed. situation but ask God to guide you. Remember Networking is a heart thing you have to go in it with a everything may not be greener on the other side. positive mind and loving heart. Surround yourself around Entrepreneurship is harder and takes alot of work. people that make your heart rejoice and a smile on your face Risk takers are money makers. The company you keep daily. Giver in momentary things but their heart as well. will rub off on your situation so check it out now. Not Show love inspite of just have a thankful Heart in all things. that your better but want a brighter future and nothing wrong with do you. God's wink is when he see you going through something he takes care of when you least expected it. That was the God's wink I like to call it. He wink on that situation and made you whole again or better than you were when you came to him in pray. Email: [email protected] Tina Young- Jamari Holman Holman BLACK 2 BLACK | PAGE 3

Contributing Writers Donita Banks Tracie Conyers Demetrius Wilson Janice Newman Mignon Thomas Tiffany Larnette

Contributing Writers Tiffiney Hall Yalanda Jesse Berlinda Love Ashley Blanshaw Selika Corley-Funchess

Gods Business With Thanksgiving Dream as large as your mind will allow. Now, you are picturing this dream with gratitude in the forefront of your mind. Work on it to make it come true, with God leading the way. Dreams are made to come true if you plan it, work it, execute it. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Source of Happiness God is the one and only source of your Happiness. Surround yourself with bosses who think alike. Dare to dream big, and then tune out all the noise. Be the giver and not always the taker. Sometimes a kind gesture will take you along way. I'm introvert but when it comes to connection I burst with happiness. Happiness comes from the heart so show it for the world to see. Smile big and walk the walk. Thanksgiving Heart Thanksgiving is approaching, but all year long, I am giving thanks to G.O.D., who makes each breath possible, the one at the center of my life. I know it has been a good year and challenging over the previous years, but still, I am very grateful for the many blessings He has given me. In November some reflection on what he has done for my business, but also my life's journey. I reflect back on things and offer a shout out loud Thank you God! My heart is bursting with thanks! Leader Mentality Lead by example Do not just talk the talk, and live differently by living in the shadows of doubt, heartache, envy, etc. Be proud of the person that God has made you. Because there are no copycats in this life, only impostors. You hold the torch, so do your best with it, and you will leave behind a legacy that can make you proud, not of men, but of God. Leader heart is not dictator but giver by helping his/her team. Willing to learn in fact always a learn. Notetaker and apply it on your journey. Write it plain so its easy to follow. Build your SOP standard operating procedures and share what you know. Nobody can do it like you so don't keep it all to yourself. Build a team to grow your business let your S.O.P stand for you. Won’t God Do It I like to say that & Won't God Do It because I am witness that He will, and He has done everything that I hoped for in situations, yet He is working on this still, even as I type. God is faithful so I cannot help but praise Him. Times I was sick or other issues and he step in right on time. His Heart of Love infinity even we don’t deserve it. Disappointed or not he keeps on blessing us day in and day out. God never fails because it might of been a lesson for the blessing. Test for your testimony about his goodness. Things Hope For Things that I was hoping for are already happening. Things I have dreamed for are coming to pass, for I put my trust in Him alone. God is faithful in all things. He is unwavering in his actions. When you venture into business or entrepreneurship let God go first and map out your walk.

I use the word (bible) and music to feed my soul it helps me get through the Purposefully Life day or minute, second. Music is food I want you to know that anyone can lead to my soul whether it's the gospel or purposeful lives, as long as they are willing other genre. God still working on this to dream and believe in God. Doubt is the masterpiece. When he's through I only thing holding you back, by not taking want him to say well done! action. Love is an action word, something Make sure you have a prayer life with that has already being shown to you today. God not just in need but daily. Build Thankful for every breathe and my serial that relationship like I said Love is a entrepreneur spirit. Your unstoppable and action word. It don't always have to be declare to have purpose by God. Do what on your knees. Get in your secret closet you are lead to do or love to do. Make a or plan and go get your many blessings. the ride to the grocery store. But when Heartfelt Message your feet hit the ground give God a praise with thanks in your heart. Some didn't make it today, yesterday, or Try sending out a heartfelt message to tomorrow. So let the world know how someone you know needs encouragement. you feel about the one who made us all. Call someone you have not spoken to in years and collaborate. Lean not to your own understanding but do it out of Build the life you want to live on L.O.V.E. Help a business by buying purpose and don't be shamed something or sharing. Keep the crab because God promise us so much mentality out of God's Business and your more. thoughts and action. Positive thoughts Hebrews 11:1 NKJV leads to positive action. Dreams are made Now faith is the substance of things to come true and yes yours too. hoped for, the evidence of things not I Corinthians 16:14 NKJV seen. Let all that you do be done with love. Tina Young-Holman Hugging someone you love today Coach T Tomorrow isn't promised. Do not delay in [email protected] living your dreams because tomorrow might not ever come in this life. Remember be thankful in all things. Stop complaining and change that with a gratitude even if it bleak at the moment. Say today going to be a good day. Smiling always it look good on You! Give hope not dope! Give love not hate or envy.



HOW TO BE GRATEFUL DAILY Each day when you awake from the night before, there are no residual thoughts on your mind from the previous day. Any and all negative memories from the day before, any misunderstandings that may have occurred during the course of the day have all been erased when we arise each day. Our minds are afresh with the thoughts we will create for that day and the deposits we introduce in that instance. The direction our minds venture toward is determined by the thoughts we instill at that moment. For example, if you stump your toe in the middle of the night and say, “this is going to be a bad day”, then you have just determined the direction your day will head. But if in that moment you instead say “I’m not going to let this determine how my day begins”, then you have taken control of your destiny immediately and eliminated any opportunity for negativity to take root. There are always going to be factors that arise on a daily basis that will require our attention at any given moment. But our minds are the sharpest when a situation occurs in the first 10 seconds up to the first 10 minutes. It is okay to experience a negative emotion because as humans, emotions are a major component of our psyche. Denying ourselves said emotions when they arise is not being true to ourselves, it is suppression. The problem does not appear when we experience the emotions, the problem arises when we marinate and fester in said emotions. The way to have an “attitude of gratitude” daily is to focus more on the positive things that are working for us, as opposed to concentrating on any negative things that may be lingering in our minds from the previous day. For instance, instead of focusing on how much you despise your job, your marital woes, bills, or undisciplined children, concentrate on things such as your good health, your employment status, the roof over your head, the ability to eat daily, the fact that you have transportation instead of utilizing public transportation, etc. Whenever we focus on all that is going well, it prohibits negative influences from gaining strength and taking up residence in our minds. So whenever you begin to focus on a negative component in your life, STOP, refocus and start highlighting all the factors that are currently working in your favor. This allows you to always have an attitude of gratitude. Yalanda S. Jessie, M.Ed., LPC



The Power of PosiTiff Thinking: Mindset Mastery Do you find it difficult to achieve goals, stay motivated, and remain positive? Have you ever said to yourself: “I can’t do THAT: I’m not creative, talented, athletic, or my favorite good enough!”. Or do you give up after trying something for the first time because it wasn't a success? If you answered yes to ANY of these questions, it’s time for some mindset mastery. Never let a negative mindset rob you of possibility and new opportunities again. Transform your personal and professional life by adopting a positive mindset. So, what exactly is mindset? Mindsets are perceptions or beliefs that people have about themselves, their situation. and experiences. These beliefs influence behavior, outlook, and attitude about how we show up in life. Your mindset affects your ability to learn, try new things, make progress, and build confidence. It impacts every aspect of your life. Adopt a positive mindset and enrich your life. Experience success, expansion, personal development, and resilience. By continually adopting a negative mindset, you just may make your life a lot more difficult than it needs to be. Over the next several months, we will explore 5 essential mindsets that are for key for mindset mastery and success in both your personal and professional life. • Growth Mindset • Abundance Mindset • Creative Mindset • Problem-solving Mindset • Entrepreneurial Mindset There are so many positive mindsets out there, but these are 5 key mindsets consistently mentioned by experts and that I've implemented in my own life and can testify to the radical shifts that have taken place. These mindsets are an ideal starting point. They will provide you with the tools to then master and implement other winning mindsets. There are so many positive mindsets out there, but these are 5 key mindsets consistently mentioned by experts and that I've implemented in my own life and can testify to the radical shifts that have taken place.

The Power of PosiTiff Thinking: Mindset Mastery A Positive Mindset is Essential for Success When you adopt these 5 essential mindsets, you will notice the difference You’ll believe that your talents, intelligence, and skills can be developed through a combination of hard work, effective practice, and guidance from others. You’ll have an openness to the ‘riches’ of the world. You’ll be able to express yourself freely, without interruption and censorship from your inner critic. You’ll make decisions with ease, gain confidence, and be more effective in work and life. You’ll recognize opportunity and innovate in the face of challenges and change. Sound too good to be true? Then you may have a fixed or scarcity mindset! Don’t worry, mindsets can be changed. It may seem impossible right now, but that’s why I created The Power of PosiTiff Thinking 5-Day Mindset Mastery Challenge -so you can have the support and start applying these mindset strategies right away so you can see the manifestation of your work in the New Year. With so many things in the world we can’t control, it feels good to know that mindset is a choice, once you uncover it. Things won’t always go your way. You’ll experience frustration and setbacks. That’s life. But with the right mindset, you will always have control over how you view and respond to any situation. The trick is to know how to make that shift and consciously choose your mindset. Just below the surface, at an unconscious level…your mindset isn’t always easy to spot. But once you identify it, you can take steps to change it. That’s what The Power of PosiTiff Thinking 5-Day Mindset Mastery Challenge is all about. I’ve designed this challenge to help you recognize your negative mindsets, bring them to the surface, and use proven strategies and tactics to shift to a positive mindset. However, we won't stop there… By the time you complete this challenge, you’ll have all the strategies and tactics you need to start getting results right away. You’ll see clearly how your mindset was formed, uncovering negative patterns, and replacing them with positive ones. Then you will focus on continuous, incremental self-improvement to boost your success. This challenge will give you the tools to do this and apply them to developing other positive mindsets. The Power of PosiTiff Thinking 5-Day Mindset Mastery Challenge will take place November 14th-18th.Receive information on how to join the challenge by texting “I accept the challenge” to (717) 508-7220. This challenge will transform the way you think, feel, work, and interact with the world, and yourself! There is no cost to join, but your time. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain! Tiffiney L. Hall is the CEO/Founder of PosiTiff, LLC (a creative play on the word positive and her name). She is a speaker, author, and mindset coach. Through PosiTiff, she uses her experiences, insight, and influence to equip individuals with the internal tools necessary to live a positive life on purpose.



Henry “Art” Smith Artist - Philanthropist - Arts Educator In 1981, while the world revolved around Former President Ronald Reagan, Michael Jackson and MTV, a young artist was born to make his statement in this vast culture. Henry T. Smith showed early talents and an undying love for both football and drawing. Through his years of education his many passions continued to unfold. After obtaining a degree in Fine Arts at McNeese State University in 2005, he spent the next few years working as a high school art teacher. Henry determined that art was his first passion and decided to follow his dream. He then became Henry “Art” Smith, a full-time artist. His style of art spans between Pop Art and Realism to Sports Portraits and Jazz Impressionism. Henry’s work has caught the attention of many prestigious celebrities such as President Barack Obama, recording artist Sheila E., LSU Head Coach Les Miles, Houston Texan J.J. Watt and the Los Angeles Sparks basketball team. Philanthropy is of great importance to Mr. Smith. He believes that giving back to the less fortunate is the duty of people who enjoy the privilege of working in the arts. To that end, one of Henry’s most admired pieces depicting Babe Ruth was auctioned off at a Girls Haven benefit. He has also donated some of his other paintings to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Organizations to support their charitable works. In 2020, one of Henry’s original paintings was auctioned off at the Wearable Art Gala created and hosted by Tina Knowles and Richard Lawson. Mr. Smith spends much of his free time mentoring underprivileged youth in their artistic endeavors.

Henry \"Art\" Smith Michael Jackson

Marvin Gaye

Malcolm X

Jean-Michael Basquiat

GIVING THANKS TO YOUR CUSTOMERS & COMMUNITY By Janice R Newman, MA, BA Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians‬9:7) (NIV) Although, this is the holiday season with Thanksgiving Day in November and the holidays fast approaching in December, giving thanks should be done all year long and not just thought about for one or two months out of the year. We can be thankful in our businesses all year round to those that support us in our companies and organizations, read or subscribe to our blogs or pages, our repeat customer, and even strangers in the community by even doing something small, simple, or at low cost. Giving back or showing appreciation does not have to cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. There are inexpensive ways of showing thanks and will highlight your company in your community. Part of your marketing budget should include promotions that show appreciation and giving. I'm reminded of the beginning of the biblical verse Luke 6:38 Give and it will be given to you (NIV). As business owners or potential business owners, we think of profits, inventory, supply, demand, and the bottom line, but one of our top focuses should be the clients, customers, and the community we thrive in. We would not be in business if it was not for customer loyalty influencing repeat buying and a good reputation. Part of building a successful company is creating a brand and how our customers perceive us. If a company only cares about the bottom line and not the customers, then the company will get a bad reputation, which will leave to a down cycle in business. Small business customers and clients do business where they feel appreciated. Here are a few examples of ways you can express thank you, give back and make your customers and community feel appreciated Saying Thank You! Easy ways to give back and express thanks to customers can be as simple as saying Thank you in a note, letter, or email, or you could write it on the top of the receipt when you hand them their purchase. Gary Chapman, the author of The Five Love Languages notes words of affirmation as a key love language. It’s also a key business language. People need to feel appreciated and that they matter. No one wants to feel unappreciated. Small companies need to stand out from large corporations by creating a uniquely special environment for the customers that will draw them back repeatedly. Saying that you appreciate their business goes a long way. This also includes expressing to your employees that you're thankful for their hard work and effort and commending them for doing a great job. Although employees are paid for their services, a majority would like to be appreciated and sought after to work on higher-level projects because that conveys to them that they are appreciated. Employees are the most valuable resource that businesses have. Profits are more than money. We are prone to judge success by the index of our salaries or the size of our automobiles rather than by the quality of our service and the relationship to mankind. Martin Luther King, Jr

GIVING THANKS TO YOUR CUSTOMERS & COMMUNITY By Janice R Newman, MA, BA Use Social Media Social media is a great tool for small business owners. Every company should have a Meta Facebook page, YouTube, or Twitter account. These are great resources to express your customers' appreciation by highlighting reviews, posting photos of happy customers, or saying thanks for their support. Customers enjoy being a part of a group and knowing what's going on with the business they patronize. Customers also like businesses asking for their feedback. Social media pictures and posts can show real customers enjoying their products that will express to others that they can get the same enjoyment. Your company can utilize real customers with store loyalty and employees to be the faces on their social media advertisements. You can create and post short video clips of yourself as owner expressing gratitude for your customers’ loyalty. Free Charity Participation Businesses can show their appreciation by giving back to the community that supports them. If you don't want to create your own charitable event, look for existing charity events that your business can partner with for their cause. Most major companies are associated with a charity or social issue as a means of giving back to the community. You could seek out a non-profit organization or a school for events where you can donate either items or perform services. Schools seek out hair stylists that will donate their time to cut students hair or donate things to place in a gift basket to raffle for a holiday fundraiser. This would be great marketing and public relations for your company. During the holiday season, organizations seek donations to fill Christmas gift tree requests for unfortunate families or ill children in hospitals. Involve the company in adopting a family to give gifts to for the holidays. Business shouldn't always be about profits. Martin Luther King, Jr questioned, Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others? Ask yourself, what is your company doing for others? One of my guests, Jose “Shorty” Torres, a professional MMA fighter, created the non-profit foundation Team Shorty, partnered with Healthy Hood Chicago to give away gift cards and turkey dinner giveaways in the past during the holiday season. Jose “Shorty” also pays it forward throughout the year with sponsoring kids and teens in martial arts with fees and equipment, along with giving seminars.

GIVING THANKS TO YOUR CUSTOMERS & COMMUNITY By Janice R Newman, MA, BA Teach a Workshop Giving back could be teaching a workshop based on a topic your business focuses on by offering it for free online class, in-person at your company, or at the library to benefit the community. Counselors or pastors could conduct workshops on family communication, parenting, and relationships. A clothing designer could host a workshop on creating stunning outfits for holiday parties or what to wear for an interview. Real estate agents can discuss topics on how to buy a house or what to look for in a home inspection. Showing appreciation is demonstrated by giving more service than required. You can also pre-record classes or short video clips with tips that can help others. Zig Ziglars famous quote is You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want. Other ways to show thanks Customers like doing business with a company they feel have high moral values and good character. Organizations that express gratitude, thanks, and appreciation to their customers build brand and company loyalty. Saying, showing, and giving thanks in the little ways for a small company can come back 10-fold to secure the future success of the company with customer loyalty.  Sponsor a community youth team  Social media giveaway  Free samples or gifts  Birthday discounts  Donate to a shelter or children's hospital  Offer community college scholarship  Lunch appreciation day for employees  A special treat for employees  Customer Reward program  Employee Recognition Award  Supporting causes important to employees  Participate in Community parades  Employee gifts  An employee of the month award  Participate in community park cleanup day Thanksgiving Day only comes once a year, but the act of being thankful, kind, giving to others, or expressing even a small word of appreciation should be daily. God planned for us to be helpful and kind to one another, have a giving heart, and not always look for our own best interests. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

GIVING THANKS TO YOUR CUSTOMERS & COMMUNITY By Janice R Newman, MA, BA Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV) Bio: Janice Newman is the producer and host of the cable television series Y? Why Not! that airs weekly across the country. She is a business entrepreneur and owner of a real estate appraisal and brokerage company, professional development specialist, writer, and teacher. Follow and Subscribe to Y? Why Not! on Facebook and YouTube. Receive a FREE pdf copy of Janice’s book “Y? Why Not!” by subscribing to the Facebook page and sending a message.



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Thankful and Grateful.. Can you believe it? It’s almost Thanksgiving !! It’s that time of year for fellowship, food and family. Writing this submission reminds me of being a student with the assignment of “What I’m thankful for.” We were proud of those assignments. Our teachers would hang them on the hallway nearest our classroom just before parent-teacher conference. As trivial as it seems at this age, that is an assignment that adults should complete weekly. Why? It’s a reminder to show appreciation for everything and everyone positive in our lives. The opportunity to be thankful for the lessons we have learned; good and bad. There’s even a lesson in the bad experiences. I am not sure how long my list would be for the things that I am thankful for in my life. In my years on this Earth, I never want to appear ungrateful for anything, especially opportunities. For many years, I was an extremely shy child. My family still laughs that my Mother ordered my food in restaurants until she met my bonus Dad. He brought me out of my shell and eventually made me more vocal in public. Years later, my voice was taken after I began to experience Domestic Violence. For many years after those traumatic experiences, I battled with low self esteem. Fear was my constant companion. I would sabotage relationships. I often experienced toxic relationships. I had to “get you” before you “got me.” I traveled this Earth as a wounded, defeated being. But once I realized a few things about life and myself; I was able to take back my power. Listen, once I realized how powerful my voice was/is, I could not be quiet. You could not silence me. You could not intimidate me. I knew God had great things in store for my life. In order to get to the promises, I had work to do. The work started with me. I had to get therapy to process the events of my earlier life. The residue I carried had to be released. My feet were dirty and the residue had contaminated each phase of my life. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). I am free !! I have survived those weapons that were sent to destroy me. Survivor of trauma, Domestic Violence and a testimony of what Human Trafficking can do to a family. I am not afraid. I lend my voice to others who are enduring Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking until they are strong enough to use their own. I am an advocate in the courtroom while future survivors take the steps to protect themselves from their abusers. So what exactly am I thankful for? I am thankful for experiences. Without those experiences, I could not educate my community, empathize with my clients or have the strength to share my testimony. Those moments were not for me. Those experiences were to serve as proof that escape and healing is possible. Without those experiences, I would not possess the appreciation for my first and only husband or my family. My husband loves me as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). He was definitely worth the wait. Through it all I learned to love myself. I learned to return to the word of God and submit my thoughts and my life. What I need you to understand is that during one of my Domestic Violence experiences, my abuser told me that he was going to fix my face so that no other man would ever want me. I took those experiences and formed a speaking business that I am so thankful to have. I took those experiences to become an advocate and community educator. When those bad things happen, we ought to look for the lesson. My lesson was that the “go through” was not for me, it was to help someone else. I am eternally grateful to God for placing this assignment on my life. I am Selika Corley-Funchess, advocate, author, Public Speaker and Survivor. I AM are two of the most important words to begin speaking positive things into your life. The words that follow I AM should be powerful and shape your future. Don’t let your past further damage your future. Start your journey to healing and align yourself with what you are passionate about or what you have been called to do.





EXPLORING SIMPLY THANKFUL THE DESERTDonitaBanks In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV I am thankful on new levels daily. 10 years ago I would have easily said, I am thankful for life, health and strength. I am thankful for family, friends and foes.” That list may have very easily had a list of numerous other things but today, yes, today, oh today…I Am THANKFUL!!! LORD, I AM THANKFUL!!! Let’s start with life. 10 years ago my husband and I discussed how we would celebrate our November 24 th , 22 nd wedding anniversary. We were not going to do anything in November or December but January 20, 2013 we would be in Washington, D.C. witnessing the second inauguration of President Barack Obama. NOT!!! November 30 th we were banged by a drunk driver, my husband died at the scene, I was critically injured and my brother in law was pretty banged up as well. I had no idea whether I was dead or alive. I didn’t know what existence was or was not. I was told many tales about this season but I am not inclined to believe it all. Let’s take a look at health. Until I turned 40 years old, I was footloose and fancy free about insurance. I acquired the cheapest Blue Cross plan available. When I turned 40 I decided I might should increase my plan because aches and pains had started creeping in on my previous healthy body. Fast forward to age 50. I said, “Self, those aches and pains have increased, steps are shorter and breathing fainter. You probably should get that best plan Blue Cross Blue Shield offers.” I listened to myself (actually the voice of God) and got that very best plan. As my new plan took effect September 1 st , my 51st birthday came on September 6th . November 30th , the murderer crashed into us and health insurance had a brand new meaning for me. I was taken to the best hospital. I was given the best medical team. I had the best doctors, therapists and services. This continued on throughout my 18 month recovery. The health I once knew was no longer. But thanks be to God, I am still here. I am in my right mind. I am walking. I am talking. I am singing and shouting!!! Thank You, Lord for my health.

Taking a look at my strength…Lord, when I am weak You are El Sali the Hebrew name for God meaning the Lord is my strength or God my rock. The passing of my husband, my mother and two brothers has taken an emotional toll on me. Not to mention the many relatives, friends, neighbors, classmates and world news stories that capture my emotional, physical, mental and complete well being. Just know when you see me standing, it’s all God. When you see me pressing, it’s all God. When you see me pushing, it’s all God. Nothing of myself, it’s all Him. Forgetting people, places and things from time to time sure beats not knowing you are in the world. I am stronger because God surrounded me with an amazing village. The family friends and strangers who come together to be sure my life is good…God uses them to be my strength. My Family is like no other. My Family is there through it all. I am so thankful for my family and there are no words to express it. Fast forwarding to our non-profit foundation, it is a family dream come true. All of the family is not on board to help or support but because of love, it moves forward. The sad part about our family non-profit and business is that the foundation was laid generations ago. We have documents proving that our forefathers owned fruit orchards, patented part of the washing machine and so much more. They owned acres and acres of land. My guess is that we traded this very lucrative businesses for the big city life and college education. If I could turn back the hands of time I am sure my route would be different. Blessed, thankful and grateful for where I am today but the path had already been blazed. Today as we gather required certifications and clearances to do things, the paperwork is challenging and discouraging. The taxes and fees associated with everything you do is astronomical. Through it all, I am grateful for our non-profit, Porchia, Ridley and Kinney (PRK) Foundation, Corp. I am thankful our for-profit company Choctaw Levi Consulting Services. I am thankful for this retirement rat race to help build business legacies for the bloodline that comes behind me.

I am thankful for the vision of our This journey has brought many new Founder, President, CEO, LaTonya friends into our lives. These new Porchia. What several of us talked about friendships have had us travel far and and dreamed about became a reality near, Zoom Conference Call at all times of through her blood, sweat and tears. day and night, and spend sleepless nights Leaving corporate America was not the gathering information that would be easiest thing to do. Leaving a guaranteed needed in the next few hours. Lord, we are salary to a struggling survival is no easy grateful. We have been taught many new feat. Not knowing the many obstacles lessons by friends that connected over our ahead on the business side along with life newfound love for helping others on a happenings on the personal side was the corporate level. perfect storm for throwing in the towel. We were always helping our family, On the business side came many neighbors, and those we knew. PRK has trainings, meetings, fees, and taxes. taken us to feeding the homeless, giving On the personal side was family, sickness, clothing for the homeless and providing death, floods, storms, and you name it. services to make their lives better I am so thankful for the gift of through employment, volunteering, and perseverance. Through it all, I supported education. I am so humbly thankful that LaTonya with motivation, research, and God chose our foundation to help our moral support. The hard work was done communities. Friends have helped us with by her. Amid these challenges four sources, resources as well as boots on beautiful grandsons were born, a set of the ground help with each of the twins and two single birth boys. Each opportunities. delivery brought life threatening Know that there is something for everyone challenges to child and mother. How does to do. You do not have to be a company. a grandmother feel during all of this? Start with yourself and provide one lunch How does a new struggling business a week to a homeless person. Humbly survive? Through fasting and praying. volunteer at a soup kitchen. Take socks Through faith and trust in God. and gloves to the homeless during winter. Perseverance I tell you. God has brought Visit a nursing home. Buy school supplies the companies through the many for an indigent child. Clean your closet out challenges faced. It’s for the family, the and donate to a shelter. The list goes on legacy we say and continue to forge and on. There truly is something for ahead. Thankful for giving us the family everyone to do. Be thankful that God has we have to pitch in during given you the opportunity to do what you the tough times. do but try to bring someone up with you. The greater news about friends is that our gratitude for friendship is that most of our business friends are new.





As I reflect on my life and how grateful I am for the goodness that I have seen, I cannot help but realize that one of the greatest things I have been granted is the opportunity to give. I feel that so much has been given to me for as far back as I can remember. The first example of giving in my life were my parents. I watched them do it over and over again. Many times it was incredibly sacrificial. They gave of themselves in many different ways. It did not matter how much or how little they may have had, they always found a way to share what they had. I am grateful for this example. There have also been many people who have shared out of the goodness of their hearts in my life and made a tremendous impact. I adopted this principle, and applied it to my life across the board. I have truly learned and appreciated many truths as we have engaged in this practice. One of my favorite things is, you must know that whatever you give has not been lost. The reality is that giving increases your capacity to give to receive. As a young child I heard a statement about giving that holds true, \"It is more blessed to give than to receive\". It would seem that this would be the opposite, but when you discover that what you give creates what you receive, it changes everything. I believe that generosity should be a core principle of our DEMETRIUS connections with each other. We must be intentional about it, and choose to resist any potential selfishness. Our open hands and hearts produce great opportunities to continue \"the flow\" that is produced as a result. I am certainly grateful for all that I have been granted in this life. I am thankful for my family, (both natural & spiritual). I am grateful for my business opportunities, and just for the gift of life itself. I know that if it had not been for the gracious, and unselfish giving of others, my life would have never been what it is. I have truly been blessed to be a blessing. The Most High has been good to me. You really will never be able to out give Him. Are you recognizing the opportunities to give of yourself? Are you intentional about giving? Are you grateful to be able to share blessings with other? The scriptures teach us to give, it will be given back to us in good measure, that it will be pressed down, shaken together, and running over, others will give to us. I encourage you to be generous, be grateful, and ….give! Stay positive.,



REVEREND DR. BERLINDA A. HART LOVE I am Rev. Dr. Berlinda A. Hart Love and I am blessed and highly favored by the Lord. However, life for me has had its ups and downs, somewhat of a roller coaster ride, but I always counted my blessings. God sends trials to make us strong, and how we handle them determines whether we win or lose. I am reminded of the poem by Langston Hughes, MOTHER TO SON Well son, I’ll tell you: Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. It’s had tacks in it, And splinters And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor— Bare. But all the time I’se been a-climbin’ on, And reachin’ landin’s, And turnin’ corners, And sometimes goin’ in the dark Where there ain’t been no light. So boy, don’t you turn back. Don’t you set down on the steps ‘Cause you finds it’s kinder hard. Don’t you fall now— For I’se still goin’, honey, I’se still climbin’, And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair Those tacks, splinters, torn up boards, floors with no carpet, and goin’ in the dark speak of hard times that all of us will encounter as we journey through this earthly life. The second half of the poem is where I have found encouragement and strength to keep going and not give up; I’s been a-climbin’, reachin’ landin’s, turnin’ corners, and goin’ in the dark where there ain’t been no light. There is nothing new under the sun. The same problems that others had years ago are the concerns that we contend with today. I was raised as a young child in Clyattville, the countryside of of Valdosta, Georgia and in my father’s hometown, Bainbridge, just two hours away. My maternal grandfather, Isaac Stafford Hart, was a tobacco farmer who never remarried after my grandmother, Hannah Gertrude Hart passed on in her forties, after birthing twelve children. Growing up in the country taught me a lot about family, and the importance of working cohesively as a group (teamwork), caring about and sharing with each other, and helping others as much and as often as we could. We attended our generational family church, Greater Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, my grandfather being one of the founding members, on second and fourth Sundays and supported other congregations on alternate weeks. It was a small cinder block building with no carpeting, plastic curtains, and wooden pews that my father made. Standing next to it now is a majestic edifice that the members erected a few years ago. My paternal grandmother, Alice, along with her siblings attended Nelson Chapel AME Church until their deaths. None remain, but I thank God for the beautiful people that they were, which contributed much to who I am today. I am grateful for the rich heritage that we have on both sides. God blessed me to know both grandfathers and great grandmothers and to have extremely large and loving families. We are close-knit because we were raised that way, and we pass this legacy of love and concern for ourselves and others to our children. Our parents, William and Parrie Love, were the best that any children could have. They worked together and were great providers. Looking back brings me to tears for now I fully realize how much they loved their children and grandchildren. I am thankful that God blessed us to see them become octogenarians. How can I say thanks for the things they have done for me? We gave them their flowers while they could smell them.

Bainbridge Georgia, a town with about 12,000 people today, was a happy place to be in the summer. My paternal grandfather, Augustus Lorenzo Love, Sr. was an entrepreneur owning several businesses including a service station, corner store, pool room, and he converted several houses into a motel for blacks traveling through town. They were the entertaining people in Bainbridge, known for having big gatherings on a moment’s notice. Family members traveling from out of state would be surprised with neighbors bringing cakes, pies, fried chicken, potato salad, drinks, and frying fish. Granddaddy Love was a big contributor to First Baptist Church and he always gave his grandchildren real silver dollars and all the goodies that we could eat from his store. My mother suffered an ischemic stroke of the left hemisphere. It was the turning point in my life, as my dreams were put on hold. Our family structure was forever changed, however we could never repay them for the care and love they had given to their children and grandchildren over the years. I give honor to my elementary teachers who made us learn out of love. I am thankful for my church families, most immediately the AME churches that have sustained me for more than twenty-five years. I have served the First and now the Sixth Episcopal District where Bishop Reginald Thomas Jackson is Presiding Prelate, and Mrs. Christy Davis Jackson, Esquire is Episcopal Supervisor.I am forever grateful to them as well as Presiding Elder Patrick Brinson and District Angela Brinson of Valdosta South District for appointing me to two churches and the position of South Georgia Conference Women in Ministry Coordinator (WIM). I acknowledge the women of the Sister Leaders Conference for taking me under their wings at such a time as this, i.e., Kearn Cherry, Dr. Karen Hills Pruden, Dr. Pamela Henkel, Dr. Yolanda Jerry, Dr. Nicole Peters, Tina Y-Holman, and mentors Les Brown and Jay Leo. My blessings are bountiful, which I credit to the sacrifices made for my mother and father. Exodus 20:12 NRSVUE says to “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” I trust God’s Word, and “I love the Lord. He heard my cry and pitied every groan. Long as I live, and troubles rise, I’ll hasten to His throne” (Isaac Watts).



YOUR HELP IS ON THE WAY By Coach Ashley Blanshaw Singer, Songwriter, Music Producer, Solo Music Artist, Business Coach, Motivation Speaker, An Activist and Author and Talk Show and Radio Show Host When we look at Psalms 121 it says that when our help comes God. It means that we serve a God that will supply all of our needs. God has you in the palm Of his hands. God is going to help you get through any situations and obstacles that you are going through and that you are dealing with. God is going to help you make it through every trial and tribulation that you might be facing. Point one: God is going to help you overcome. No matter what you are going right now, you will get through this, you will overcome this. matter what battle, addiction, sickness, obstacle, trouble, struggle, trials and tribulations that you are going through right now, that you are dealing with right now, you will overcome from this. You are coming of this more healed, delivered, more better and more stronger than ever. Just hold on and be strong and don't you give up. Get ready, because your help is on the way. Point two: Always know that God is your keeper. When we look at verse 5 it says that “The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand”. This verse means that God is keep you from all danger and harm. God is going to protect you every negative roadblocks that the devil is trying to put in your way. God is also going to keep you and protect from negative distractions that the devil to put my your life. Always know that God is your refugee in the time of trouble and he is your shelter in the time of a storm. Always know that in the time of trouble, God will provide for you and will make a way for you because we serve a God that can heal, delivered, restored and also that can make a way out of no way. Point Three: Always know that your help comes from God. Whatever you need, God will provide because he is a provider. He is a way-maker, miracle worker, promise keeper and a light in the darkness. God will never leave you or forsake you. If you need to be healed, if you need a miracle, blessing, deliverance, God got you and he will provide. He will help you make it because it’s says in verse 1 that when we look up our eyes to the hills from whence cometh our help, our help comes from The Lord. It’s reminds of a song that Jesus is on the mainline tell Him what him you want because he knows all about our struggles and he will guide us and keeps us. God hears your prayers and God is answering your prayers. I also want to encourage you that God will take care of you. God will provide for you. He will deliver you. He will heal you and restore you. You will make it through that situation, problem, obstacle, struggle that you have been through. God is help you get through that storm that you have been dealing with. Just trust God because he is doing for you. So don’t you get discouraged because your help is on the way.



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