Don’t Give Up by Marlena Lewis

Marlena Lewis

Don’t Give Up by Marlena Lewis

Don’t Give Up by Marlena Lewis

The basis of my story is to tell someone that is facing some of the same circumstances that I am going through is that they are not alone. We all have struggles in our lives that seem like we can never get past them, but if we can learn to trust in the Lord, he will help us. I tell my story of feeling helpless at times and not knowing where to turn. When I looked back over my life I began to think about my spiritual family life. My parents never gave up on thirteen kids. I have hope and confidence now that I can do the same for my life.

 

Review Written by Quiniece Sheppard
Hope in a dying world!  Marlena Lewis shares her story of struggle and triumph in her book titled “Don’t Give Up”.

The title itself is encouraging. Marlena Lewis gives an encouraging word to her readers telling them not to give up and to persevere through the hardships and trials. It is a book that offers hope and encouragement to those who are suffering.

Don’t give up and look to Jesus who is the author and finisher of your faith. It’ll get better after while. Great book and I recommend it to those who need a little bit of push to keep going no matter what.

 

Excerpt:  Don’t Give Up

I grew up in a small town about twenty miles outside of Selma, Alabama. A place of great historic moments; some of which changed African American lives forever. Nobody’s family is perfect, and being the tenth child of thirteen kids, I don’t think I need to discuss any further the matters concerning poverty, verbal abuse, and what today’s society would label as physical abuse. I mean, back then, anyone could give you a whooping for something you did wrong, and you would straighten yourself right up and think twice about your actions in the future. But today, we see spankings as abuse, and parents nowadays will not touch their children out of fear of punishment and being seen as a child abuser. What can I say…spare the rod and spoil the child.

In struggling with trying to adapt to military life, marriage, and being separated from my only child, I have learned that God has never left me, and He has really kept me from losing my mind. Yeah, we often feel like something good is about to happen any day now with all we have going on in our lives, but we have to remember to keep our eyes on the prize. The prize is not all the stuff that distracts us every day, but it is Jesus; our Lord and Savior.

Some supernatural strength kept me going when I did not have the energy, or the will, to keep going. That power was Jesus and my prayers to Him. He heard them, and in the midst of the tears, He would tell me to keep it up, don’t give up. He had so many more challenges He wanted me to endure to increase my hope and faith in Him.

I cried out, “Jesus is this it?”

“No, Marlena. This is only the beginning.”

Just when I thought I could not take anything else, and after serving about twelve years in the military, I was diagnosed with Lyme disease. I was in the Army reserves serving part-time duty at a center in Rockville, Maryland. When I initially started feeling ill, I was in the field at Fort Dix, New Jersey, preparing for my unit to depart to Iraq. I had been there for about two weeks, when all of a sudden, I started feeling very fatigued and my body started hurting all over. At first I just thought it was just the normal field stuff that you get while out training. I tried to shrug it off because I was a soldier, and I did not want to appear weak to my peers.

 

In the Dark by Unoma Nwankwor

You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. Psalm 18:28.

Do you find yourself wondering about the expiration date of your “meantime place?” Are you struggling to hold on when you have no idea what God’s end game is?

 

Multi-published award winning author, entrepreneur and Purpose Champion, Unoma Nwankwor takes readers on a hopeful exploration of Jeremiah 29. Along the way, she provides strategies to remain anchored during the uncertainties of life. Storms come to move us out of place, but as Christians we must not only survive but thrive with persevering confidence.

Blending undisguised personal testimony, biblical references and in your face realisms, this book shows readers how to push past the stagnation of life’s uncertainties by successfully navigating the dark places, walking the walk of faith with hope for a favorable end, having peace by learning to trust God and relinquish control to Him. We can’t dominate our areas of influence in excellence if we give up every time we hit a rocky patch. This book will leave you equipped with tools and tips needed to help you push through the process by maintaining confident expectations for today and tomorrow.

Bonus: With the paperback, you’ll receive the Light Pearls in the Dark Prayer Journal. It contains 40 days of praise/worship song suggestions and anchor verses that will help you strategically defeat the enemy’s plan of sowing doubt in your dark place. It also provides space for you to write personalized prayers. Record your testimonies in accordance to the fulfillment of His promise.

 

Black Cotton by Tomeekha Pitre

Black Cotton by Tomeekha Pitre

BLACK COTTON is a photography art book that celebrates the beauty of African American Women, the Afro hair style and the diversity of  African Decent individuals.  We do this through fashion, hair, makeup, digital media and Photography.

BLACK COTTON brilliantly marries these strengths and presents a new definition of the African Woman while telling the photographic journey of the African presence in other cultures.  “Have you ever wondered what it is about the Afro hairstyle that makes people stop, look, and stare?

To some, It may remind them of a time period, to others it may be simple admiration, a reminder of their inhibitions, or the proof within self that they can be free to rock the most powerful hairstyle that represents the FREEDOM of self expression.

Beyond the stylistic glamour of the Afro, the hairstyle is full of history; from styling combs, spiritual association, the unforgettable Black Pride era, to the African presence in Asian culture.”

BLACK COTTON re-identifies the pride and dignity of our African American women here and abroad. We are sure you will feel the same.

 

About the Author
Tomeekha is a successful business professional within the corporate world of medical healthcare. She has curated and represented emerging visual artists, produced theatre productions, and spearheads HUEMANITEE, Inc.

Tomeekha is the co-owner of Black Cotton, LLC where she is Publisher of literary projects for the Black Cotton Publishing division. Her expertise in business and the arts allows her to enjoy consulting for startup businesses and creative projects.

Her debut novel, Earth’s Quiet Chaos, is a fictional narrative inspired by life experiences. She is spirit-led to share stories that will uplift, empower, educate and inspire individuals to live in the highest version of self.

Website:  https://www.tomeekhapitre.com

 

Purchase Black Cotton by Tomeekha Pitre
Book genre: Art & Beauty, Photography
Celebrating the beauty of the black woman
Target audience:  African-American women, ages 10-65
https://www.tomeekhapitre.com/product-page/black-cotton

 

Yesterday’s Tomorrow by Danielle Seck

Danielle Seck

Yesterday’s Tomorrow by Danielle Seck

Who says a girl needs her mother to teach her how to drive down the road toward womanhood? That may not necessarily be true, but for Alyx, she can’t help but wonder if her mother could have at least helped her avoid some of the potholes; potholes that often leave her broken down and inoperable.

It doesn’t matter that growing up Alyx’s mother turns a blind eye while Alyx is one punch away from getting a black eye as a result of the torment her mother’s boyfriend, Tony, puts her through. As  if that isn’t enough, Tony invites his son to participate in the destruction of Alyx’s childhood. In spite of it all, even as an adult Alyx longs for the love and comfort of her mother. But at some point a girl has to realize that when someone doesn’t love her, perhaps she needs to let the relationship go, even if it is with her mother.

Bound and determined to jump behind the wheel without a license and find her way to her destiny on her own, Alyx does what everyone expects of a girl who ended up in foster care as a child; she gets lost. For once in her life she’s relieved when she meets a man who she feels she’s headed in the right direction with. When he turns out to be someone totally opposite than who Alyx thought he was, she finds herself at a fork in the road. Decisions have to be made. It’s a matter of life and death; and not just for Alyx.

Purchase Yesterday’s Tomorrow by Danielle Seck  
Link: http://a.co/cECQUCO

 

 

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Official Launch of Soul Talk with Cheryl Polote-Williamson

Come witness an amazing event with visionary author Cheryl Polote Williamson and 20 women with a message of hope, restoration, redemption, and POWER! Food, drinks, and an opportunity to be a part of this awesome movement! #SoulTalk…Get food for the soul. Saturday, April 1 at 6:30 PM – 10 PM Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Market Center 2727 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75207 Reserve Your Seats Today: http://bit.ly/soultalkinvite

20 Soul Stirring Stories Of Women That Decided To Let Go And Let God. Selected and introduced by author Cheryl Polote-Williamson, the twenty women in this bold and holy anthology are living testaments to the glory that God’s will, purpose, and plan will bring to your life, if only you would let go and let God. In her chapter of Soul Talk, each author shares her unique story, alongside scriptures that illustrate and guide her narrative and reflections that the reader may hold on to for their own spiritual and personal contemplations. Books by Cheryl Polote-Williamson https://www.amazon.com/Cheryl-Polote-Williamson/e/B00JGC7QRI #cherylpwspeaks #peace #successful #accountability #Women #entrepreneurship #publishedauthor #published #philanthropy #ourstories #healing #speaker #ontour

 

#NAN – Nigeria At Night on Facebook Live

Nigeria at Night: Have You Left Home Yet? Nigeria at Night: The Preparation Process Nigeria at Night: Is Your Past in the Way of Your Progress? Follow Nigeria Lockley on Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/nigeria.lockley

Book Nigeria Lockley Am I coming to your city or women’s event this year? Let’s connect and make it happen. Want to experience Nigeria at Night live? Then book now. Let’s talk about Pursuing Your Passion, walking in your Purpose, and getting in position to Prosper.  Contact here: https://nigerialockley.com Pursuing Your Passion in a Godly Fashion  Prayers for the Creative Christian and Entrepreneur by Nigeria Lockley Wheatley Award Winner and entrepreneur, Nigeria Lockley explores how to use the power of prayer to strategically manage your business and keep the faith in the process. Learn how to make God the CEO of all your endeavors and connect with Him on a deeper level with, Pursuing Your Passion in a Godly Fashion. Christians are often taught that God must be involved in all that they do. Yet there is little guidance on how to get God more involved in our business ventures in a meaningful way. In Pursuing Your Passion in a Godly Fashion, author Nigeria Lockley explores areas of struggle that creative Christians and entrepreneurs must overcome in order to excel. Pursuing Your Passion in a Godly Fashion will address topics like: * Alignment of Purpose-what you want must be His will. * Finance-understand that you should not feel guilty about earning money using your gift, however money, money, money can’t be your mantra. * Networking-who you know may be important, but God has already ordained divine connections for you. * Discretion and Discernment-know the difference and use them both. Through transparent testimony, biblical guidance, and a prayer strategy pulled from the book of Nehemiah, Lockley provides believers with prayers to take the pursuit of their passion out of this world.  The paperback edition includes space for readers to develop their own prayers for each issue dealt with in the book. Order books from Amazon:    https://www.amazon.com/Nigeria-Lockley/e/B00ILH2YSU   Excerpt from the Chapter on Balance There are some who say living a balanced life while chasing your dreams is a myth. You’ve got to relentlessly throw yourself into the work, striving day and night to get things done and make it happen. Then there are those who believe you need to be balanced instead of busy. I spent three years throwing myself relentlessly into the work. I was on for twenty-six hours a day (yes, I added extra hours to the day). Every day melded into one day until I found myself in the middle of my seventh period class clutching my chest. The next day, I was determined to prove God was able and I still made the trek from Manhattan to Brooklyn. However, before the bell for first period rang, I was out the door and on my way to the emergency room. After a battery of tests and several trips to every doctor under the sun to find out what was the catalyst of my chest pains, I discovered that my body was basically falling apart. I had low iron and a cyst. It seemed like I needed to lock myself in a closet and say that strength prayer over and over again until I saw it fulfilled, but what I needed was balance. Every day I was trying to give one hundred percent of me to my writing, to my students, to my children, to my husband, and to God. I was trying to be everywhere at once, and that’s God job. The order of the situation was all off. God has to be first every day and above all things. The same amount of time that we willingly devote to our passion must be allotted to God. He must be a part of all of our workings to maintain balance. Look at how He created the world-one day at a time and everything in order. To pursue your passion in a Godly fashion means putting God first and everything else in its proper order. Does this life require long nights? Yes, especially when you’re just starting out; however, bouncing around like a balloon whose air has just been let out is not a requirement. Don’t live an unbalanced life that will have you everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Is this possible? Your gut is telling you it’s impossible to achieve balance and run a business. But it is possible. God was busy establishing the whole entire world as we know it, and He was never as frazzled as we are. We’re just trying to build brands, write books, and open new businesses. We just have to follow the blueprint He left us. The only true way to find balance is to seek God. God worked on a different aspect of creation each day. He built the whole world one day at a time. ( Continued… ) © 2016 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Nigeria Lockley. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author’s written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only. Order your copy today https://www.amazon.com/Pursuing-Your-Passion-Godly-Fashion-ebook/dp/B01M0WOQ55/

 

Men and Intimacy: Real Talk, Real Answers by Therez Fleetwood

500 Treasure Points

There are countless books on men and relationships that analyze and interpret men’s feelings about intimacy from a clinical or therapeutic approach. However, there are very few books that actually highlight men’s points of view on this topic in an uncut, complete, raw and emotional way.

Author, Therez Fleetwood, explores the complexities of relationships through the minds of men who give real, no holds barred answers to the questions that women want to ask.

There are many women who feel disconnected from their partner and desire to create a deeper bond.  This book is for those who are seeking to understand why men do the things they do when it comes to intimacy-related acts.  Oftentimes, women spend countless hours asking other women for advice on their relationships when they should be going directly to the source.  Men and Intimacy, Real Talk. Real Answers is the source. What you will discover is what men really think about intimacy, women, relationships, sex, love, cheating, and pornography.

 

STATIONS: Changing Your Life – Changing Your Career by Dr. Lynda Mubarak

The current global workforce has changed tremendously during the past decade and your workplace is part of that change. Labor trends, increased use of technology for goods and services, and the reduction of workers at all levels has generated a need to view employment and self-sufficiency in a new light.  If you have children, they will need to be able to work in a 21st century work environment with a diverse workforce, which will entail jobs which are being developed as they enter elementary grades or high school.

STATIONS is the quick resource guide that offers suggestions and time-proven strategies for parents and professionals who interact with children and young adult workers.

STATIONS is a collection of essays that provides food for thought as we make our way through the different situations, events, stages, circumstances and parental decisions that will ultimately affect personal lifestyles  and career options.

STATIONS examines childhood academic and social skills, and addresses the challenging task of teaching children to be healthy and financially sound while preparing them to thrive and survive in a global workforce driven by cutting edge technology and ongoing competition.

STATIONS is concise, amusing, informative and frank in its discussion of life’s everyday circumstances, including social media and proactive workplace practices that affect all of us from childhood through adulthood.

 

BAN Radio Show

BAN Radio Show

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