"Raise 'Em and Praise Him - Testimony Tuesday"

"Raise 'Em and Praise Him - Testimony Tuesday"

My name is Japonica Walker.  I have been married for over 30 years and have eight wonderful children.  

Pretty much all of my adult life I have struggled with several health issues.  The Lord had been using these health problems as a platform to learn about His kingdom program for my life.  Many of those health issues were resolved by learning to apply the principles of self-care. 

There were many areas in my life of self-disrespect and self-destruction.  Little did I know, my greatest health challenges would show up about five years ago. 

My digestive system slowed to a point where a black lump developed in my low back.  I went to the imaging center for x-rays and decided to get a breast mammogram while I was there; trying to kill two birds with one stone.  Needless to say, the technicians panicked at what they saw on the mammogram and they completely lost sight of my concern with the lump in my back.  

After another mammogram and a biopsy, the diagnosis was confirmed, Stage 1 DCIS.  

I did seek the opinions of two oncologists, but I was also seeking God's perspective on the matter.  After my second oncologist consultation, I felt in my heart that God was telling me to go holistic and to trust him. He did not ask me to trust Him for healing, but to trust Him for quality of life. I didn't know what that meant at that moment, but I took baby steps to trust him with the big "C." 

I started this journey about 3 1/2 years ago of walking thru breast cancer holistically.  The mass has diminished, the blood work looks good, and I have been experiencing my best quality of life during this "God opportunity".  

It is so easy to say we trust God until there's a crisis.  I couldn't have done this on my own.  It was hearing a word from God that gave me what I needed to learn how to walk thru and overcome some of the fears of breast cancers.

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Alexandris

ABOUT THE ARTIST

ALEXANDRIS TOWNSEND

Alexandris Townsend is a South Carolina resident and the Spiritual Leader & Founder of Flourishing In His Greatness Teaching Ministry. She is the author of Experiencing The Greatness of God in the Spiritual Realm and serves God in the office of the Evangelist. Alexandris also serves as a Volunteer Peer Parent Support Provider with the Federation of Families of South Carolina. She has published articles e.g. (My Ebenezer, The Deception of Acceptance, The Power of Influence, Thornwell Court "A Place of Pain", the Power of Restoration, Destined To Make It, How Sweet It Is) dealing with the topics of Underage Drinking, Addiction and Personal Recovery with Addiction Unscripted, Our Young Addicts, Heroes in Recovery and The Recovery Magazine.

The author's book Experiencing The Greatness of God in the Spiritual Realm offers a powerfully written account of her youngest son's journey with alcoholism which had him bound for more than a decade and his magnificent deliverance February 2012. God commissioned me to write this book to offer HOPE and encouragement to other families who are being impacted by a loved one's addiction. Alexandris has also been given the assignment to share the importance of personal recovery not only for the addicted loved one, but also pursuing recovery as a family member, because alcoholism is a "family disease!" Alexandris is called to declare the "Greatness of God (Psalm 145:6) to all that needs to hear the "Message of Hope!"

Copies of Experiencing The Greatness of God in the Spiritual Realm are available @ all Internet Online Bookstores. Alexandris Townsend can be followed on Twitter @ atownsend@2014; GooglePlus; Facebook website: alexandrisTownsend@ flourishinginhisgreatnessteach ingministry; email: alexandris.townsend@yahoo.com

Presently Alexandris offers her spiritual wisdom and insights as a volunteer collaborator/ consultant to Federation of Families of SC in the areas of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (teens & young adults) with particular focus on Underage Drinking. She conducts and participates in Addiction training/Townhall Meetings for churches, support groups, and other organizations in South Carolina. As a "Messenger of Hope" God opens supernatural doors for Alexandris' message to be shared as she does the work of the Evangelist. 

"Raise 'Em and Praise Him - Testimony Tuesday"

"Raise 'Em and Praise Him - Testimony Tuesday"

Here is where YOU get to share your testimony.  My hope in promoting your testimony is that it strengthen your spiritual soul by sharing and that you encourage someone with your story.

Osborne E. Dennis Jr. author, and motivation speaker, also the writer of two books: "Christopher’s Visit to Heaven" and "Christopher Vs the Bully". 

Dennis is a very powerful and prolific speaker; he identifies and relates to his audience immediately. His message is empowering the youth of today to: Speak Life and Show Love. However, this was not always Dennis's message.

He strayed away from the right path and played in the streets of Satan; it was there he was confronted with his own demons. He realized that as a born-again child of God. He knew he was denying his true calling. It was this horrific experience that gives him the unique ability to relate to his audience. 

Dennis is a great inspiring, hopeful and motivational speaker. The moment he appears to his guest, he identifies the ones that are in need and hurting. 

His advice is well received regardless of race creed or color. Why, because he speaks the simple truth with love and hope.  His speaking engagements have allotted him the privilege of sharing his message at several private schools, radio and television interviews. 

His books are available at Amazon.com.

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Ed

ABOUT THE ARTIST

ED WOMACK 

Introducing the latest work of Service from Dr. Ed Womack, “Use What’s Left | 7 Strategies to Optimize your R.E.B.O.U.N.D. from Setback”­­­­

"Use What's Left" will educate, equip, and encourage you to SCORE through the 7- Step Strategy of

R. E. B. O. U. N. D.

R = Reinvent Yourself

E = Extend and Excel

B = Bake Don't Microwave

O = Optimize Opportunities

U = Understanding Breeds Knowledge

N = Negate Negativity

D = Demand Your Destiny

This 7- Step Strategy, when followed consistently will lead to significant preparation to SCORE personally in Relationships, Community and the World at large, according to the purpose that has been waiting for YOU. It’s YOUR time to be restored, understood and respected.  Despite the trauma, setbacks, poor decisions or other mishaps that have prevented you from walking in your purpose until NOW!

Optimize your REBOUND and be restored to your rightful, wonderful and destined place of purpose. It’s your time to SCORE!!!! Go Ahead "Use What's Left" if you dare!!!

Dr. Ed Womack “Life and Leadership Strategist”, Radio and TV Personality currently resides in Woodstock, GA. was raised in Detroit, MI. He is a recovering addict with over 10 years of sobriety. In 2005, Ed overcame being the victim of sexual molestation, a severe bout of depression and substance abuse.

Dr. Womack is also the author of three books “Back From Broken”. “Back from Broken” reveals the Good, the bad, the ugly, and the deliverance from the inner city of Detroit to the Program Chair for Trinity Community Ministry. He is also the co-author on 2 Amazon Best Selling anthologies curated by the Men of Vision – “Reclaim the Flame”  and The Power of Collaboration | New Vision for Victory.

Through the adaptive delivery of his achievements, setbacks, and his will to re-invent himself, he has a story many of today’s male youth and adults will relate to. Taking personal accountability and adjusting to the blows dealt by life’s challenges to achieve true destiny is the core theme of this book.

He is also the founder of the Man Rise Up Movement where they “Create MENergy Daily across the globe”.  He is also a founding member of “Men of Vision” Mastermind Group which is currently growing into the beacon of Collaboration Not Competition.

The mission of the Man Rise Up Movement is to Create MENergy Daily across the globe. Man Rise Up is poised and determined to inspire, empower, encourage and organize one million Men to pursue excellence and leadership. They provide programming geared toward the development and enhancement of men in their life, work, play, and relationships.

Dr. Ed Womack graduated from the Trinity House Men’s Program in 2007 and has not looked back since. Mr. Womack is living proof that the peaks and valleys can be overcome, with the right information, commitment to self-awareness and dedication to the service of others.

Dr. Ed has shared stages with the likes of Dr. George C. Fraser at the Powerlife Business Empowerment Conference sponsored by the Men of Vision. Also been fortunate to share stages with  Dr. Willie Jolley and Ruben West at 72 Hours of Power, Dr. Dennis Kimbro at the Billionaire Mastermind Live event in Atlanta, GA.  Myron Golden at the Passion to Profits event just to highlight a few.

Dr. Ed is most proud of his involvement with the Community service projects which include the Love Fest | Stop the Violence and Incarceration. Also his monthly involvement with the Community Compilation “Catering to the Homeless”  event every 4^th Sunday at Renaissance park in Atlanta.

"Raise 'Em and Praise Him - Testimony Tuesday"

"Raise 'Em and Praise Him -
Testimony Tuesday" 

Here is where YOU get to share your testimony.  My hope in promoting your testimony is that it strengthen your spiritual soul by sharing and that you encourage someone with your story.

"How Sunshine Became Jennifer"

In middle school, I was bullied for being fat, and awkward. The children in school would torment me with chants, “On your march, get set, Turkey neck!” I started leaving school and going to a local sub shop. I would go back to school and eat my lunch in the bathroom. I learned how to eat for comfort, and avoid social situations. No wonder, today, I suffer from emotional eating and social anxiety. Eventually, I realized that I did not have to continue skipping school; I learned that I could skip home life as well.

As a runaway at the age of 12, I was promiscuous with men three times my age. I would use marijuana, alcohol, and eventually ecstasy. As I lived on the street, I sold my body, time, and soul for the love that I did not have for myself, or receive from my dad. My dad was never in the picture, as he suffers from alcoholism, drug addiction, and a host of other difficulties. He felt that the best way to protect me from his demons was to avoid me. His avoidance of me made me think that something was “wrong” with me. My father’s rejection, coupled with the negative feedback I received from my peers caused me to believe that I had little value, was unacceptable, and had to work for approval.

About the age of 16, I went to JobCorps. I believed the lie that I was bisexual. I did not believe much in myself; hence my difficulty in finishing things. I left JobCorps once I earned my GED. I came home, only to run away again and be in a homosexual relationship for four years. My mother listened to me describe some of the mental and emotional symptoms that I was experiencing and took me to a professional where I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. I refused to believe that I had this disorder and continued to self-medicate, engage in criminal activity, and be promiscuous with whoever would have me.

At the age of 21, I began exotic dancing. I was introduced to cocaine at the age of 22. I was convicted that same year. During my prison sentence, something changed. I slowly realized that my name was not Sunshine, it was Jennifer. I began to understand that if I did not forfeit death to experience life, my jail cell would be my new home for life or the mental ward.

I was released from prison, March 25, 2009. Since then I have obtained my AA Degree in Human Services. I enter into Howard County Detention Center on a biweekly basis to minister to the women there; I facilitate the Celebrate Recovery program. With new confidence, I manage a blog where I let my pain give God glory. I am a wife to an awesome husband. Our marriage was not a walk in the park. We have been married for six years but separated for three and a half years. Today, my husband and I are committed to making the marriage work. My husband and our five-year-old are growing in love together.

I have worked as a Case Worker for the past year with people with similar difficulties as I. Prior to that I was an Administrative Assistant at a homeless shelter. Currently, I am working on my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Psychology. I am learning to parent my son who is Autistic. God is my Redeemer, Healer, Keeper, and Way Maker. Due to my submission to God’s love and power, my life has never been the same.

I have been delivered from low self-esteem, people pleasing, drug addiction, cigarette addiction, homosexuality, lust, self-hatred, bitterness, self-loathing, approval addiction, and procrastination. 

Please follow me on anecessarypainblog.wordpress.com as I make God smile by releasing my pain to benefit those who are hurting. Ultimately, my life goal is to bring the unsaved to Jesus Christ.

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Edward

ABOUT THE ARTIST 

EDWARD L. SURRATT

Elder Edward L. Surratt serves under the expert tutelage of Bishop Kevin L. Long, as an Elder at Temple Church International in Charlotte, NC. Prior to coming to Temple, Elder Surratt was a Pastor for seven years in the United Methodist Church and another five years in the African Methodist A.M.E. Zion Church. Since the transition to Temple Church International, he has been active in various ministries that have brought about a major change in the surrounding communities and within the church. He applies his passion for youth and young adults to help eradicate many of the societal ills that plague our communities.

Elder Surratt is the President/CEO of Edward L. Enterprises, which provides Empowerment Coaching and Power Packed Workshops along with Motivational and Keynote Speeches. His speeches motivate and inspire those to reach their highest level of potential.

Elder Surratt is not just a powerful preacher, speaker, and coach, but he is an award-winning author. He is the recipient of a 2015 educators award from the National Celebrity Educators for his book entitled “3 Weeks To A Focused Future” which provides daily principles that will allow you to focus on your goals and succeed in life and in the classroom.

Elder Surratt’s aim is to help those seeking greater through the power of positive thinking and a focused mind.

Elder Surratt’s favorite scripture is Jeremiah 18: 6 and is daily motto is EXPECT GREATER!

So remember that Edward L. Surratt says:

“Your ALTITUDE will have NO ENDING, if your ATTITUDE has a positive BEGINNING” 

Website: www.edwardlenterprises.com

Email: edwardl@edwardlenterprises.com

Phone: 980-202-2947

Facebook: Edward L. Surratt

Instagram: @revratt
Twitter: @revratt

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Valeria

ABOUT THE ARTIST

VALERIA SAULSBERRY EDMONDS

As a coach and HR consultant, Valeria is committed to helping aspiring leaders live their values.  As a Christian woman seasoned by grace, she mixes spiritual wisdom and practical advice to guide others in their path to a purpose driven life.

Valeria enjoys writing short stories inspired by women in the Bible.  Her first book, STAR, is a modern take on the story of Esther in the Bible and an excellent effort in making the story relevant to those in or pursuing romantic relationships. In this creative retelling of an old story, Valeria helps you relate to the characters while sharing lessons on dating, marriage, and courage. Her second book, I'm Every Woman, is a collection of 10 short stories inspired by other biblical characters such as the woman at the well, sisters Mary and Martha as well as other women dealing with issues similar to those we face today.

Valeria is a mother of two from Memphis, Tennessee who currently lives in Doha, Qatar with her husband. She has over twenty-five years of experience as a Human Resources professional in Corporate America and as a lay minister doing Christian counseling. Because of her passion for women’s issues and her love of reading, she began to write as a way to positively affect the lives of women through fiction. She has a bachelor's and master’s degree in business administration and she received her professional certification as a leadership coach from Georgetown University.

You can find Valeria's books on Amazon.com and
you can follow her on Facebook at       

https://m.facebook.com/realwomenseries/  

She also blogs regularly at http://dvineinsights.blogspot.com/

Feel free to contact her at masterfulyou@gmail.com if you are interested in virtual coaching to help you reach your goals.  

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Crystal

ABOUT THE ARTIST

CRYSTAL A. MARCH

Crystal A. March is a North Carolina resident by way of New York.  Crystal is the Director and Founder of 
Get Fit & Dance, LLC at www.getfitanddancestudio.com.  

With her 30 years of experience in teaching and choreographing dance, Crystal opened the Get Fit & Dance Studio in 2012.  Get Fit & Dance Studio offers classes in Ballet, Tap and Jazz for females and males of all ages.  Over the last couple of years, Crystal has been certified as a ZUMBA Instructor, specializing in Zumba, Zumba Kids, Aqua Zumba, Zumba Sentao and Zumba Gold.  

Since opening, Crystal realized the need to address the overwhelming issues that today’s kids face with building confidence, enhancing self-esteem and childhood obesity. Therefore since 2014, Get Fit & Dance Studio offers 6 week Zumba Kids sessions to address these concerns. In addition, Get Fit & Dance Studio has broadened their range to include:

•  Zumba Birthday Party Packages
•  Ballet Intensive Classes
•  Group and individual Zumba packages
•  Private Dance and Zumba sessions
•  Dance and Zumba Enrichment programs at schools and day                       care centers

Crystal March can be contacted by emailing getfitanddance@gmail.com or by calling 704-315-8012.  

Follow Get Fit & Dance on Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/Get-Fit-Dance-270208776517824/

Twitter: @CrystalAnnMarch

Instagram: @CrystalAnnMarch