tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19642142927869061932024-03-13T10:36:19.496-04:00Straight Up! NewsletterFounded in 2002 where interviews, articles, and press releases are posted related to Christian works from various authors, artists, and book clubs. We honor God in all our ways, looking straight up to Him.Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-40893327759697691012017-02-11T11:36:00.002-05:002017-02-11T11:51:02.376-05:00New Release: A Test of Faith<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
A Test of Faith (The True Love Novellas, Book 3)</h3>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;">In the coming days my tenth book will be released! What an awesome privilege it is to write for the Kingdom of God. Have you reserved your copy yet? Here's some information about it:</span>
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<a href="https://reneeallenmccoy.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/atf-front-cover.jpg?w=188&h=304" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="atf-front-cover" border="0" class=" wp-image-338 alignleft" data-attachment-id="338" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="A Test of Faith" data-large-file="https://reneeallenmccoy.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/atf-front-cover.jpg?w=188&h=304?w=634" data-medium-file="https://reneeallenmccoy.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/atf-front-cover.jpg?w=188&h=304?w=186" data-orig-file="https://reneeallenmccoy.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/atf-front-cover.jpg?w=188&h=304" data-orig-size="1531,2474" data-permalink="https://reneeallenmccoy.com/the-true-love-novellas/atf-front-cover/" height="304" sizes="(max-width: 188px) 100vw, 188px" src="https://reneeallenmccoy.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/atf-front-cover.jpg?w=188&h=304" srcset="https://reneeallenmccoy.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/atf-front-cover.jpg?w=188&h=304 188w, https://reneeallenmccoy.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/atf-front-cover.jpg?w=376&h=608 376w, https://reneeallenmccoy.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/atf-front-cover.jpg?w=93&h=150 93w" width="188" /></a><em><span style="font-family: Thread-0002e050-Id-000000c9;">Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church… ~Ephesians 5:25</span></em></div>
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Joshua and Gayle were the model couple. After years of dating, Joshua romantically popped the big question to his college sweetheart. It was the proposal Gayle had always dreamed of. It didn’t matter that Joshua had been drafted by the NFL and was a part of the prominent Maxwell family of Lewiston Springs; Gayle desired to be his wife simply because she loved him.</div>
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Their relationship was a solid rock, storybook romance … that was until Joshua’s trust for his wife turns to suspicion.</div>
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As Gayle struggles to piece together the broken fragments of her life, she tries to maintain her dignity around the high class people she once called friends. The vows she made to Joshua before God on their wedding day were true, but is love enough to keep their marriage out of divorce court?</div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Thread-0002e050-Id-000000c9;">A Test of Faith</span></em> is the third book in The True Love Novellas series.<span style="color: #fff2cc;"> <em><a href="https://reneeallenmccoy.com/excerpts/"><span style="font-family: Thread-0002e050-Id-000000c9;">Read excerpt…</span></a></em></span><br />
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*Reserve your copy today!</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Test-Faith-True-Love-Novellas-ebook/dp/B01MQNBUE3" target="_blank"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Amazon </span></a><span style="color: #fff2cc;">| </span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-test-of-faith-renee-allen-mccoy/1125267534?ean=2940156794294" target="_blank"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Barnes & Noble</span></a><span style="color: #fff2cc;"> | </span><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-test-of-faith-7" target="_blank"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Kobo </span></a><span style="color: #fff2cc;">| </span><a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1182235146?at=1010l9S2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">iTunes</span></a><span style="color: #fff2cc;"> | </span><a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Ren%C3%A9e_Allen_McCoy_A_Test_of_Faith?id=COacDQAAQBAJ" target="_blank"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Google Play</span></a></div>
Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-16520717666232170002016-12-13T01:55:00.000-05:002016-12-13T01:55:40.335-05:00Happy Holidays: A Time to Give<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy Holidays!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is indeed the most wonderful time
of the year. There's just something about a year in review. It presents so many
opportunities to thank God for His many blessings. Not to say that you
shouldn't do that year round, it's just that when others collectively praise
God with you there's instant harmony. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Also when the Christmas season is upon
us, there's an inclination to give a little more. Ministries receive their end
of the year donations, toys are collected for little girls and boys from donors
who would not ordinarily receive them, and food banks distribute groceries at a
higher rate than throughout the other seasons of the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As we give, it reminds me of what Jesus
said in Matthew 25: 34-40:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">34 </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then the King will say to those on His
right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for
you from the foundation of the world: <b>35 </b>for I was hungry and
you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you
took Me in; <b>36 </b>I was naked and you clothed Me; I was
sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ <b>37 </b>“Then
the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and
feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? <b>38 </b>When
did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and
clothe You? <b>39 </b>Or when did we see You sick, or in prison,
and come to You?’ <b>40 </b>And the King will answer and say to them,
‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least
of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’</span><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This prompted me to think about what an
awesome gift it is to the giver knowing that we are not only extending our
time, money, and service to another human being, but to the Savior Himself. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing," John 15:5.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the spirit of giving, I've offered several giveaways through my mailing list and Facebook Readers & Supporters group:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">A
$25 Amazon Gift Card</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">An
Edible Arrangement ($29 Retail Value)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A
$25 Applebees Gift Card </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you're not on the list, consider joining today by visiting my website: www.ReneeAllenMcCoy.com. But whether you're on the list or not, you can still enter this brand new giveaway for 8 Free Autographed Copies of My Books (Over a $100 Retail Value). I would offer all ten titles, but one (<i>A Test of Faith</i>) hasn't released yet and the other (<i>Once Upon a Sunday</i>) is an eBook already being offered for free through various sales channels, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-a-Sunday/dp/B0170BV5JQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1481607090&sr=1-1&keywords=once+upon+a+sunday" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here are the books being given away:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>The Fiery Furnace series - The Kiss of Judas, Confessions, The Eleventh Hour</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>The True Love Novellas (2 current titles) - The Christmas Beau and Single, Saved, & Searching</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>In the Presence of My Enemies</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Soul Ties: Breaking Up with a Past That's Killing Your Future</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>A Time to Praise: A Christmas Anthology</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you have all of these books, great! Either way, you can still get them and give away as an awesome gift for that avid reader in your life. To learn more about each title, visit www.ReneeAllenMcCoy.com. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you would like to enter the drawing, <a href="https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/07ad24391/" target="_blank">just click this link for a chance to win all 8 books</a>! I'll notify the winner by the end of the day December 21, 2016. </span></div>
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-70392540236337507212016-12-09T23:59:00.000-05:002016-12-10T02:17:38.334-05:00Christmas Release: A Time to Praise<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Time-Praise-Christmas-Anthology-ebook/dp/B01KH3PLRQ" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-18J5qG_imjM/WEt9Mp6VSyI/AAAAAAAAAmw/sEBZkFoO5YI1eStwrFyFP-HMQQdKLz-KQCEw/s320/Updated%2BChristmas%2BFront%2BCover.jpg" width="217" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Time-Praise-Christmas-Anthology-ebook/dp/B01KH3PLRQ" target="_blank">September 27, 2016</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Time-Praise-Christmas-Anthology-ebook/dp/B01KH3PLRQ" target="_blank">FaytheWorks Publishing</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Time-Praise-Christmas-Anthology-ebook/dp/B01KH3PLRQ" target="_blank">FaytheFiction Imprint</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Greetings,</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's
been a while since I've published to this blog site, but I plan to be more
active in the near future. Raising little ones is pretty time-consuming,
especially when living states away from family. But nonetheless, I praise God
for the experience and the lives entrusted to my care. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Over
the past year and a half, I've collaborated with several new authors and one familiar literary voice (Sonya Visor) to help
develop stories dedicated to the Christmas season centered on the goodness of
the Lord. My vision for this project was to present clean Christian fiction for
an audience that wants just that. Nowadays, it's sometimes hard to tell if a
"Christian" novel is truly a Christian story. Yes, Christians make
mistakes and fall short, all humans do, but the difference is that we don't
wallow in our sins and justify our behaviors … at least not the true
Christians. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've
learned that many Christians want to read stories that are real, but not dirty;
edgy at times, but not nasty. There's a way to tell a great story with
realistic problems and issues without profanity and explicit sex scenes. God
designed sex. It's not a dirty act, but when exploited it may be viewed as
such. The focus should be on exposing sin, not glorifying it. There's a
difference. But I don't want to get too deep about that here. (See my non-fiction
book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Ties-Breaking-Killing-Future-ebook/dp/B005OZHVAS" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Soul Ties</span></a>, for more detail on that topic.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here,
I share my latest holiday release, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Time-Praise-Christmas-Anthology-ebook/dp/B01KH3PLRQ" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">A Time to Praise</span></a></i>,
co-authored by Sonya Visor, Camille Gipson, Lisa Antley, and Renarda Williams.
In this anthology, there are five unique short stories that celebrate the
love, joy, and peace of Christmas. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Below
is a little bit about each story:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 125%;">Miracle
From on High by Renée Allen McCoy</span></b><span style="line-height: 125%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Four
lives intersect at a crossroad, prompting each to seek God’s direction.
Benjamin and Susan grapple to accept their path while Trevor and
Danielle struggle to cope with theirs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Giving
You the Best of My Love by Sonya Visor</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;">Three years ago, Chase Anderson was hauled off to jail, leaving his wife,
Nicole, drowning in a lake of trouble. Despite the strong love they once
shared, will they be able to overcome life changing obstacles?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 125%;">His
Calling and My Desire by Camille Gipson</span></b><br />
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<span style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How
does a single mother fight to protect her country and her children at the same
time? Ruth is torn as she leaves one battle only to face another.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 125%;">Blessings
in the Storm by Lisa Antley</span></b><span style="line-height: 125%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tonya
Phillips has almost everything she could ever imagine … except a good man. In a
dark moment of her life, she soon discovers “He” has always been there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 125%;">The
Greatest Christmas Present Ever by Renarda Williams</span></b><span style="line-height: 125%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As
Ikedi Ataya, a black State Justice, is honored for his career, he reflects on
his “Christmas gift” to a close-knit New Orleans community threatened by greedy
developers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
# # #<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The stories will make you laugh, cry, and identify with some of the characters. Most importantly, you'll be pleasantly reminded that n</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ot only during the holidays, but it's always a time to praise God! </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Until Next Time, </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy Holidays and as always, Happy Reading...</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 125%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "vivaldi"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Renée <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-16614990370387879092015-08-21T23:46:00.000-04:002015-08-22T00:01:25.904-04:00New Audio Book: The Christmas Beau<span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_hTrtMxjOM/VdfuNb9wxuI/AAAAAAAAAjk/BB9nbuSfZDo/s1600/The%2BChristmas%2BBeau%2B-%2Baudiobook%2Bversion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_hTrtMxjOM/VdfuNb9wxuI/AAAAAAAAAjk/BB9nbuSfZDo/s200/The%2BChristmas%2BBeau%2B-%2Baudiobook%2Bversion.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">FaytheWorks Publishing</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Audiobook 2015</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Christmas is still a few months away, but for me it's always a pleasure to hear a sweet holiday romance. And this year God has blessed me to produce my first audiobook for the story, <em><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The Christmas Beau</span></em>. So many readers have
been very supportive with the eBook version over the years and I pray the same, well, even better for my new audiobook. Through
the links listed here, you can get this new audiobook for free! If you are a
regular audiobook listener (or even a first time listener) and want to add my
book to your library for free, just click here:</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Beau-True-Love-Novellas/dp/B01417XPPO" href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Beau-True-Love-Novellas/dp/B01417XPPO"><span style="color: #e06666;">Amazon.com</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="color: #e06666;">
</span>or </span><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/The-Christmas-Beau-Audiobook/B0134F9OAO/ref=a_search_c4_1_" href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/The-Christmas-Beau-Audiobook/B0134F9OAO/ref=a_search_c4_1_"><span style="color: #e06666;">Audible.com</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">
(an Amazon company). For Apple users the audiobook is also available for sale on iTunes.<br />
<br />
Now, to get this audiobook for free, you will have to join Audible, but this
membership is also free for thirty (30) days. The retail cost of the audiobook
is $14.95 ($13.08 on Amazon), but with the Audible membership it’s free for the
first month. You can cancel at any time. Sounds like a deal to me! Besides, to
offer the audiobook for free helps others to find out that my work exists.
There’s a sea full of authors, some good and some bad, why don’t we share the
stories that actually make sense and support our Christian faith, right?</span></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /><span style="color: #eeeeee;">
I have prayed to God for more Christian works to saturate the entertainment
market. It’s sad that horror movies and shows laden with profanity get so much
publicity while some Christian books, movies, and shows fade into the
background. With so many professed Christians in the world we should unite and support works that reflect our faith.<br />
<br />
Thanks in advance for supporting this new venture of mine! I appreciate the love and
support shown to me over the years and greatly appreciate the overwhelming
support of my last release, <em><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Once-Sunday-Renee-Allen-McCoy-ebook/dp/B00VQF1X5E" target="_blank">Once Upon a Sunday</a></span></em>, published Easter weekend. All I can say is that God
is good!<br />
<br />
Again, thank you for the love and support. I pray God’s best for you…</span></span>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-44851764644139550642015-04-09T19:36:00.000-04:002015-04-10T02:39:16.934-04:00New Release: Once Upon a Sunday<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BeoqioQDu5E/VScC24_997I/AAAAAAAAAjI/4M4Ad_eea5Q/s1600/Once%2BUpon%2Ba%2BSunday-ebook%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BeoqioQDu5E/VScC24_997I/AAAAAAAAAjI/4M4Ad_eea5Q/s1600/Once%2BUpon%2Ba%2BSunday-ebook%2Bcover.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FaytheWorks Publishing<br />
FaytheFiction Imprint<br />
Released April 5, 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 16.9pt; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Easter weekend is a wonderful time to
collectively celebrate the Risen Savior. Actually, every day presents an awesome
opportunity to celebrate Jesus Christ and what He did for us. I am so grateful
for what was accomplished on that Cross so many centuries ago. Jesus Christ
died for our sins so that we could be free and have a right to the tree of
life. He died so that we may live eternally. He loves us that much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16.9pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">When I
accepted Him as my Lord and Savior, my life forever changed for the better. He
has saved my soul and I share the Gospel with others so that they too may
experience the freedom that I have. Are you saved? Have you experienced the
goodness of what it truly means to be a child of the Most High God? Try Him
today...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16.9pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">In honor of
Resurrection<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="aqj"><span data-term="goog_792655057" tabindex="0">Sunday</span></span>, I released an
inspirational short story titled,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Once
Upon a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span data-term="goog_792655058" tabindex="0"><span class="aqj">Sunday</span></span></i>. In this book, Good Friday started off
as anything but that for Melinda Black. After losing her job and self-dignity,
a series of events cascade her onto an emotionally charged roller coaster ride
that drastically changed her life forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16.9pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Find out
if Melinda will be able to handle the pressure when she stands to lose
what's most important in her life?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16.9pt; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">It is on sale for only $0.99 on<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Once-Sunday-Renee-Allen-McCoy-ebook/dp/B00VQF1X5E" target="_blank">Amazon Kindle</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/once-upon-a-sunday-renee-mccoy/1121690440?ean=2940151610117" target="_blank">Barnes & NobleNook</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Renee_Allen_McCoy_Once_Upon_a_Sunday?id=wLPkBwAAQBAJ" target="_blank">Google Play</a>, as well as through the Apple iBookstore, Kobo, and Smashwords. Feel free to share
this information with family, friends, or anyone who you feel would enjoy
a good read. When you sign up for my newsletter, I offer many of my books for
free or at a reduced sales price. If you would like to join, <a href="http://eepurl.com/bapX5r" target="_blank">click here </a>or
visit my official website at <a href="http://www.reneeallenmccoy.com/">www.ReneeAllenMcCoy.com</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16.9pt; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Thanks for taking some of your valuable time to
read about my new release. I truly appreciate it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16.9pt; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Until next time, happy reading!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-46596514818889228862015-02-04T02:59:00.000-05:002015-02-04T06:33:33.569-05:00Before you say, “I do.”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCo8YGsEQtE/VNHLJskg0UI/AAAAAAAAAhs/q8HdDVzjReY/s1600/sample%2Bproposal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCo8YGsEQtE/VNHLJskg0UI/AAAAAAAAAhs/q8HdDVzjReY/s1600/sample%2Bproposal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCo8YGsEQtE/VNHLJskg0UI/AAAAAAAAAhs/q8HdDVzjReY/s1600/sample%2Bproposal.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aside from Black History, the month of February is also
known as the Love Month. Just walk into a store, just about any store during
this time of the year, and you’ll find the shelves lined with teddy bears, balloons,
and heart shaped candy boxes dressed in that telling symbolic color of red.
Love is in the air, there are engagements waiting to happen, but what are some
things you should do before you actually say those famous words, "I do"?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are contemplating an engagement, consider the
following:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; list-style-type: disc;">
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be transparent</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Listen to what they are saying, not what you want to hear</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Trust your instincts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Talk about money</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Introduce them to your family</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t claim to be the guru of dating or the “go-to” person
for singles. But I do remember what it was like to be single … and waiting. I
know what it is like to date someone, think he is the one, only to discover
some characteristic flaw that I was not willing to compromise on. Then again,
why should I? Why should anyone “settle” for less than they really want from a
mate? When you get married, there are enough compromises that are to be made,
but the decision to be with someone for the rest of your life … </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the
rest of your life</i></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, requires some deep thought and intense
consideration. At least it did for me because when I decided to get married. The option for divorce was well … not an option. So, with that being the case I
had to be wise in my decision to whom I was to marry.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, you may already have your own ideas of what to do before
you actually utter those words “I do”, committing yourself to someone legally
as well as spiritually. Let me offer my two cents on the matter. I met my
husband (then an unknown person to me) and we dated for four months, and then
was married. It did not take five years, it did not include empty promises; it
simply involved two people who were transparent enough to allow the other to
see them for who they truly are. We talked for hours at a time, we went out on
dates as well as stayed in and watched rented movies. We went to church
together and we visited each other's families during the holidays. This is where
you really get to know someone. Meet up on a holiday like Thanksgiving or
Christmas and observe the extended family members in action. There is bound to
be someone around that will share a story or two that may interest you.
Hopefully, this will make a positive impact on your relationship.</span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be sure to talk about what you have and don’t have. Do you
have bad credit? Do you have a stable, consistent income? Do you have a savings
account? Is there money in that savings account? Sometimes you have to be
specific about the questions you ask. You don’t want to later find that the
savings account they said they had only has $5.00 in it. Or even worse, a
negative balance! This was not the case with my husband, praise the Lord. I’m
just offering some due diligence advice for those pondering marriage. Don’t
assume anything, especially since you will be trusting this person with
everything that you have.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Other important questions: Do you have children? Please
don’t assume that because you don’t see children or pictures of children in
their house that they don’t have any. Do you want to have children? Don’t be
misled by the fact that they turn to mush around other people’s children that
they want some of their own, ask specifically. </span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My husband and I both agreed on having children before we
got married and we stuck pretty close to the timeline in which we wanted to
have them. Today we have been married eight years, now with two toddlers
running around the house. </span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, you see, when you are open enough to let that person
know you for who you are, your strengths and weakness, during your fashionable
days as well as not so chic moments, and they still see the natural beauty
beneath a made-up appearance, you've got yourself a winner! Be your own
champion. It does not take compromising your principles to keep him or her. It
does not take your pretending to be something you’re not to please them either.
It takes an honest look at who you are and what you expect from that other
person. Don’t marry with the hopes of they will change. Ninety-nine percent of
the time, you are dating a person at their best. So, what comes after the vows
is a work in progress.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> * * *</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pcEYPCZRXQY/VNHP_UBvBeI/AAAAAAAAAiA/tokkljupifc/s1600/singlesavesearching%2B(revised)%2Bflat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pcEYPCZRXQY/VNHP_UBvBeI/AAAAAAAAAiA/tokkljupifc/s1600/singlesavesearching%2B(revised)%2Bflat.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some of these topics are touched on in <i>Single, Saved, & Searching </i>(True Love Novellas, Book 2). Do you have your copy? </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This title is available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Single-Saved-Searching-True-Novellas-ebook/dp/B00P6LD6UY" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/single-saved-searching-renee-allen-mccoy/1120959069?ean=9780983604655" target="_blank">BN</a>, and wherever books are sold.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-22377574431214790842015-01-25T20:41:00.000-05:002015-02-04T02:16:02.653-05:00In with the new...Greetings,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's a new year and along with it comes new possibilities and opportunities. This year I have already begun to make some changes, admittedly, some are considered minor, but necessary in my book. I've started to update my mailing list. It has been a long time coming, let me tell you. After having two children and being busier that I have ever been in my life (with lack of sleep, might I add), God is teaching me to be a better steward of my time. The time He has afforded to me ... and to you is valuable.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, I begin this year by organizing my contacts. If you haven't already joined the new, updated mailing list and would like to, simply click <a href="http://eepurl.com/bapX5r" target="_blank">here</a>. Here is where I will announce book giveaways and contests first before I do anywhere else. It is my way of thanking my readers for their support. If you decide to join, keep in mind that you will have to confirm your email address after doing so. This is a way that I will know that emails are valid and those who sign up truly want to hear from me. I thank you in advance.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As many of you know, about a month ago I released my seventh book: Single, Saved, & Searching (The True Love Novellas, Book 2). And since then I have received glowing reviews delivered to my inbox, over the phone, through social media, as well as a few posts on Amazon. If you have read this book (or any of my titles) and enjoyed them, consider posting a review. This just might encourage someone else to read a book that may help them in their own lives. After all, it's not about me, it's about God, touching lives for His glory.</div>
<br />
For those who are hearing about S<i>ingle, Saved, & Searching</i> for the first time, here's a little bit about the book:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Single-Saved-Searching-True-Novellas-ebook/dp/B00P6LD6UY" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hhvuj-YCKDQ/VMN96Ub7AqI/AAAAAAAAAg0/XklHsWCQUxY/s1600/singlesavedsearching.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.</i> ~ Proverbs 18:22 <br />
<br />
"She’s getting married too?" asks the beautiful, intelligent, and single Elisha Maxwell who just received a wedding invitation from her last single best friend and her younger sister in the same week. As she stacks both invites on her kitchen counter, she wonders when it will be her turn. <br />
<br />
Challenged by a string of disappointing relationships, Elisha’s hope of finding Mr. Right leaves her feeling desperate and confused. Does such a man exist for her? In the wake of the most terrifying experience of her life, she is more determined now than ever to find him. <br />
<br />
When she embarks upon a quest to change her single status to married, she finds something much more important along the way. Will she embrace the man of her dreams who seems the least likely of them all or go with someone who appeared to be her perfect match? <br />
<br />
<i>Single, Saved, & Searching</i> is the second book in The True Love Novellas series.</div>
<br />
<b>Book Trailer for <i>Single, Saved, & Searching</i></b> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxgrl8fkNwF2DdxYPET3elF6l3DkiFVSlaU5vnfj8FJH0alWO4d3nNtiV21URegfuYRNBTB7iFw8UVi8F-Alw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
This book can be purchased from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Single-Saved-Searching-True-Novellas-ebook/dp/B00P6LD6UY" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/single-saved-searching-renee-allen-mccoy/1120959069?ean=9780983604655" target="_blank">BN</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Renee_Allen_McCoy_Single_Saved_Searching?id=O3EmBQAAQBAJ" target="_blank">Google Play</a>, <a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/single-saved-searching" target="_blank">Kobo</a>, and wherever books are sold (ebook and paperback). <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Again, I thank you all for reading my work and if there is any question I can answer for you or if you'd just like to connect, feel free to contact me: <a href="mailto:renee@reneeallenmccoy.com">renee@reneeallenmccoy.com</a> or connect with me on Goodreads. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have a great day!</div>
Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-1418973581339931442013-11-23T08:11:00.000-05:002014-12-10T16:02:14.672-05:00In the Presence of My Enemies: Sneak Preview<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5KWKm1vAFQE/UpCLt7uR1XI/AAAAAAAAAgI/irVr1L8x9L4/s1600/Presence+FRONT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5KWKm1vAFQE/UpCLt7uR1XI/AAAAAAAAAgI/irVr1L8x9L4/s320/Presence+FRONT.jpg" height="320" width="204" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FaytheWorks Publishing LLC<br />
November 29, 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i><b>Some dreams are worth the fight...</b></i></div>
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<span class="text Ps-23-5" id="en-NKJV-14241"><i>"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies..." Psalm 23:5.</i></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-23-5"><br /></span>Kara Bentley, the child prodigy from a small southern town, has grown into a talented and beautiful young woman living in New York City. With hopes of attending Juilliard to become a world class pianist, Kara is on the fast track to winning the hearts of many, especially the one of up and coming film director Wendell McGuire. But will the advances of another woman steal the hopes of them ever being together?</div>
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Melissa Peterson serves as a strong support system and best friend to Kara. She’s there to offer moments of encouragement as Kara faces the evils from an oppressive home life with her guardian sister, but will their friendship last when Kara uncovers a heavily guarded affair? </div>
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Determined to defeat all odds stacked against her, Kara struggles to make it to the top. Will her determination prove to be enough as unrelenting trials attempt to suffocate any hope she has of leaving the projects, love for the man of her dreams, and most importantly the faith she has in God?</div>
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<i><b>In the Presence of My Enemies</b></i> is my sixth book and fifth novel. It is only by the grace of God that I've made it his far. Many obstacles stood in my way as I attempted to complete this book (that I started writing about four years ago), but when God says that it is time to complete<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>it is time. And although it had been tough to write through illness while caring for a toddler, I was able to finish this novel. </div>
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It is an honor, no, a <i>blessing </i>to have others interested in my work. I hope that you all enjoy the story and consider sharing it with others. I thank everyone who pre-ordered autographed paperback copies and those who await links for the eBook (scheduled to go live next week). The official release date is November 29, 2013.</div>
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Again, thank you so much for your continued support and the precious time you spend on reading my stories.</div>
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Happy Reading,</div>
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<i></i> </div>
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<i>Renée</i></div>
Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-59349765842121192342013-01-21T21:16:00.000-05:002013-01-21T21:19:08.425-05:00MLK: He Had a Dream, Do We?<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">The commemoration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. seeks
to remind every individual of his staunch leadership in a pivotal point in
history. Although we recognize today as Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, our
attention is called to more than just his birth, but more so what he
accomplished for this nation during his life. This was a man who carried the
torch of freedom during the Civil Rights Movement, inciting others to do the
same, the activist who marched on Washington, the leader who stood strong in
the very face of fear, and the minister who spoke the Word of God in
confidence. We are celebrating a leader who died so that you and I could enjoy
the freedom that was already enacted in the United States Constitution by way
of the 13<sup>th</sup> Amendment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">With much adversity, Dr. King fought to abolish the Jim
Crow laws of his time, a racial caste system erected where black people were
separated from white people and considered inferior simply due to the color of
their skin. Although the Emancipation Proclamation signed on January 1, 1863 by
President Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery where millions of slaves were freed,
still one hundred years later in 1963 Dr. King had a dream. He had a dream
where both white and black people alike would live in harmony; a dream where
his children would be judged not based upon the color of their skin, but by the
content of their character. His vision was prophetic in nature. Note the words
of Dr. King on the night before he was tragically killed: </span><strong><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I've seen the promised land. I may not get
there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get
to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything.
I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the
Lord</i>.”</span></strong><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In that same
speech, Dr. King noted that we would have difficult days ahead, but that wasn’t
reason to abandon the “promised land.” The promised land that was pledged when
this nation was formed. Just as his wife, Coretta Scott King, said just days
after his demise: “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If you give your life
to a cause in which you believe, and if it is right and just, and if your life
comes to an end as a result of this, then your life could not have been spent
in a more redemptive way. I think that is what my husband has done</i>.”</span></strong><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The torch to
continue the fight was passed through the hands of many who made countless
sacrifices, even with their own lives. Today, more than forty years after that
famous <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I Have a Dream</i> speech we are
still witnessing history being made as President Barack Obama begins his second
term as the first African American President of the United States. President
Obama’s presence in the White House as a biracial, black and white, American is
reminiscent of the words Dr. King spoke decades prior. The leader of our nation
symbolizes what took years of rallies, marches, and sit-ins to get us to where
we are on today. We must continue to forge ahead, remembering how much it took
for us to arrive where we are, understanding that the freedom we now enjoy
really wasn’t free. </span></strong><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This was a day of
great reflection. In me, it prompts a motivation to do more, to share more, and
to be more appreciative. Dr. King had a dream that impacted the world around
him. This was a dream that could not have been achieved first without God, and
secondly without those supporters around him. He had a dream for change; change
for the better. The question today is do we have a dream? <span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And if so, what are
we going to do about it?<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-31841441400993600512012-12-02T23:54:00.000-05:002012-12-03T00:08:01.127-05:00This Season<em></em><br />
<em>Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,</em><br />
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This year has brought on many wonderful changes as the Lord blessed me with the birth of a new son. My husband and I are forever grateful. As a result, my sickness subsided and the Lord blessed me with the strength to write another book to release as an eBook this month. Initially, I wasn't sure if I could do it when God gave me the idea a few months ago. With a young child and traveling for 2 weeks out of that time, experiencing the death a of dear family member and simply adjusting to a new way of life, I pressed on to do what God knew I could. I trusted in Him and have now released an eBook novella entitled, <em>The Christmas Beau (The True Love Novellas ~ Book #1).</em> <br />
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As I wrote this book, I did not know what would happen with the story, but as I wrote (through prayer) it was eventually revealed to me. Maybe it was written for you or someone you know. Maybe the contents are just a reminder for some and confirmation for others. I'm not sure, but what I do know is that I feel at peace in having written it.</div>
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As a special thank you to those who have purchased any of my books (and also for those who haven't, but are being introduced to my work), this eBook is only .99 (on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Beau-True-novellas-ebook/dp/B00AGAZNHE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354408628&sr=8-1&keywords=the+christmas+beau+renee" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-christmas-beau-renee-allen-mccoy/1113880537?ean=2940015809251" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a>)! God has been very good to me (and my family) and I praise Him for His Son, Jesus Christ--my Lord and Savior, this season and all year long. With the chaotic shopping and commercialism during this time, let us not lose sight of what God has done ... He gave His Son. Let us celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior.</div>
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I pray that you all have a blessed rest of the year 2012!<br />
<br />
Here's a snippet of what the book is about:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SzSmGzCxVRk/ULwi6_Ug4MI/AAAAAAAAAeA/nwwcLkjAOw8/s1600/Christmas+Beau+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SzSmGzCxVRk/ULwi6_Ug4MI/AAAAAAAAAeA/nwwcLkjAOw8/s320/Christmas+Beau+cover.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FaytheWorks Publishing LLC<br />
Release Date: December 1, 2012<br />
Format Available: eBook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<em>Love suffers long and is kind… 1 Corinthians 13:4</em><br />
<em></em><br />
“Why did I even come
here for my vacation?” Charity Maxwell questions, initially regretting her trip
home to Lewiston Springs for her Christmas vacation … that is until she finds
out that an old flame is visiting too. With familiar emotions invading her
heart, Charity desperately tries to keep her composure around a man with whom
she shares a painful past.<br />
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Determined to make right his wrong, Milton
Grayson passionately pursues Charity regretful that he lost her once and
determined to not let it happen again. As a reminiscent whirlwind romance ensues
between them, the pressure builds on a meddling family member who secretly
plotted to separate the pair in the past.<br />
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Is their love true enough to
withstand the evils that broke them apart the first time? Or will Charity’s
anticipation of having a Christmas boyfriend suddenly be dashed to
pieces?<br />
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<em>The Christmas Beau</em> is the first eBook in The True Love Novellas
series that shares the love of God in and out of season.</div>
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Also, please consider reading a repost from a couple Decembers ago. It is still as relevant today as it was then. The title of the post is<a href="http://renee-straightup.blogspot.com/2010/12/jesus-christ.html" target="_blank"> Jesus Christ ... Savior</a>.</div>
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Thank you again for taking the time to read and as always, keep God first.</div>
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-89642237355322191592012-09-23T02:52:00.000-04:002012-09-23T03:11:06.442-04:00The Upper Room Devotional--Do Not Complain<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn3rcFEtL5k/UF6v-OgRLtI/AAAAAAAAAds/DPjYFLEIq50/s1600/146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn3rcFEtL5k/UF6v-OgRLtI/AAAAAAAAAds/DPjYFLEIq50/s200/146.jpg" width="134" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September-October 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">T</span>his month's article is posted on the Upper Room's devotional site: <a href="http://devotional.upperroom.org/blog/2012/09/mccoycomplain">Upper Room Devotional September 23, 2012</a>. <br />
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“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:14-15, NKJV).<br />
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Also, if you receive copies of the Upper Room pocket devotional, today's entry was written by me. This entry is also viewable on the Upper Room's website for September 23, 2012.<br />
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May God bless you all and have a Happy Sunday!<br />
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<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>To
submit a testimony or an article for contribution, please email me at </em><a href="mailto:renee@reneeallenmccoy.com"><em><span style="color: #660000;">renee@reneeallenmccoy.com</span></em></a><em>
</em></span></span>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-90373212857557672692012-07-06T01:46:00.002-04:002012-07-06T13:25:58.211-04:00Return to Your First Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hxQBJ5BUI3M/T_ZyC5Jr6hI/AAAAAAAAAdM/VFVINmKJnUc/s1600/jesus_teaching+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hxQBJ5BUI3M/T_ZyC5Jr6hI/AAAAAAAAAdM/VFVINmKJnUc/s200/jesus_teaching+2.jpg" width="200" /></a><em><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I know your works, your labor,
your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested
those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
<sup> </sup></span></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">and you have persevered
and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become
weary.</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <sup> </sup></span></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Nevertheless
I have this against you, that you have left your first love.</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
<sup> </sup></span></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember therefore from
where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to
you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. ~
Revelation 2:2-5</span></span></em></div>
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<br /><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></strong>n
recent days, I have been blessed to enjoy the gift God has given to my husband
and me, a new baby boy. The Lord has been good to our family. Actually, the
Lord has been good to this world. After all, He did give His only Son to die
for our sins.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As
I sat around with family and friends recently, we discussed the numerous singers
who started out in the church, but have since abandoned their Gospel roots to pursue
music in the secular arena. One of my friends said, “It seems that it would be
the other way around. That you would leave the world for God, not God for the
world. It’s backwards.” It does seem backwards, but I guess sometimes we
forget, just as the Israelites had, what the Lord has done for us. Short-term
memory… at least until the next tragedy occurs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For
Christians, God is the center of all that we do whether it is in the workplace,
at home, or at the beach on vacation—not just on Sunday morning. And I
understand now more than ever why Jesus said to return to your first love. God
is so amazing because no matter what we’ve done, we can always ask for
forgiveness and restore right standing with Him. Without Him we are nothing,
with Him all things are possible. And if we hadn’t realized it before, the way
the world is today we need God now more than ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as a pastor said this past Sunday in his
morning sermon (and I paraphrase), “As we grow in Christ we are to become
teachers. Not necessarily as a senior pastor would teach, but simply to share
what we’ve learned so that others can grow as well.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I
agree for the Bible states that we are ought to be teachers (reference Hebrews
5:12).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In
this issue, Renarda Williams shares an article of a Christian who teaches
others to use Biblical principles to succeed in their everyday lives. When we
see ourselves as God sees us, we are bound to be successful. Life isn’t about
driving the most expensive car or living in the fanciest house, it is about
fulfilling the purpose of why God placed you here. And no one can tell you what
that is other than the Holy Spirit. Seek Him for answers; He’ll direct your
steps because He loves you. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">_______________________________________________<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Finding Out Where You Go From Here</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <br />
<b id="yui_3_2_0_11_1341543867069562">By Renarda Williams <br />
</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7hwY3S43oyM/T_Z446aCWnI/AAAAAAAAAdg/SglXAvrEtC4/s1600/Valorie+Burton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7hwY3S43oyM/T_Z446aCWnI/AAAAAAAAAdg/SglXAvrEtC4/s200/Valorie+Burton.jpg" width="140" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The first time I came in contact with Valorie Burton was in 2002 in Monroe,
La. I interviewed her about her first book, <i id="yui_3_2_0_11_1341543867069571">Rich Minds, Rich Rewards</i> (Villard Books,
2001), which appeared in the Fifth Anniversary Issue of my online newsletter, <i id="yui_3_2_0_11_1341543867069573">The Empowerment Initiative Online Newsletter
(TEION)</i>. <br />
I've always admired and respected Valorie's ability to inspire, motivate, and
uplift people. And again, she has delivered. She has dug deep into the minds,
bodies, and souls of Americans struggling to overcome this country's economic
crisis with her latest book <strong><i>—</i></strong> <i id="yui_3_2_0_11_1341543867069556">Where Do You Go From Here: Moving Forward
When Life Doesn't Go as Planned</i> (WaterBrook Press, 2011). </span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Valorie goes to the core of what Americans are experiencing <em><b>—</b></em>
professional setbacks, layoffs, financial challenges <em><b>—</b></em> and
provides perhaps the greatest solutions to overcome strife. She shows people
how to reach within themselves to find the goal-accomplishing tools God has
provided them with over the years. She also shows readers how to utilize a new
way of thinking to overcome their setbacks. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Burton suggests making the following five commitments: </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 307.5pt; text-align: justify;">
*I will not feel sorry for myself. <br />
*I will not stare at the closed door. <br />
*I will dig deep to unearth all the courage I need. <br />
*I will direct my thoughts; my thoughts will not direct me. <br />
*I will choose to believe that all things work together. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 307.5pt; text-align: justify;">
In general, the book stands out as a remarkable blueprint for perseverance
through the toughest of times.
Recently, I interviewed Burton about her book and the importance of it in
helping people overcome challenges.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 307.5pt; text-align: justify;">
Burton said it is central, and essential, for people to become resilient in
time of crisis. Of the five commitments, the fourth <em><b>—</b></em> "I
will direct my thoughts; my thoughts will not direct me" <em><b>—</b></em>
is the one most essential in overcoming setbacks, she said. "What you tell
yourself will make you readjust your thoughts and make [you] take control of
your life." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 307.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhJ0h9pk1tI/T_Z4taceM7I/AAAAAAAAAdY/fG04WVrMC2I/s1600/Valorie+Burton+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhJ0h9pk1tI/T_Z4taceM7I/AAAAAAAAAdY/fG04WVrMC2I/s200/Valorie+Burton+book.jpg" width="128" /></a>And what of those people who might be inclined to dismiss <i>Where Do You Go
From Here</i> as just another so-called self-help book? Some people are
naturally pessimistic and are afraid to step out and make up excuses and not
try to excel, Burton said.
"It is easy to scan the book and make a judgment. This book is not what
Valorie says works.... It is based on factual studies that talk about the power
of resilience and psychology [that] can help people overcome crisis. This book
is also based on real stories of people who overcome financial, health, and
personal crisis."</div>
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Burton said her book addresses different areas of life, and will assure readers
that someone understands their plight. "It will help people realize they
can [strive] to thrive .... People need harmony to flow and work to take care
of themselves." </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<i id="yui_3_2_0_11_1341543867069613">Valorie Burton is a certified personal
and executive coach who has served hundreds of clients in many states and
countries. She is the founder of The CAPP Institute, and the author of several
books, including What's Really Holding You Back? Burton has written for
numerous publications, such as: Essence, Woman's Day, O, the Oprah Magazine.
Visit her at </i><a href="http://www.valorieburton.com/" target="_blank" title="http://www.valorieburton.com/"><i><span style="color: blue;">www.valorieburton.com</span></i></a><i>.</i></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">________________________________________________
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></strong>n
Closing,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Life
is good with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t always think
this way... but now I know better. The Lord has taught me and I do believe that
He places resources in our path to help us along the way. Remember that God
provides resources, but He is THE SOURCE. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I
seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance for me to share what I’ve learned and pray that
others will do the same: learn, teach, love. We acquire the ability to do things under the power of the Almighty God—not any other entity.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>To submit a testimony or an article for contribution, please email me at </em><a href="mailto:renee@reneeallenmccoy.com"><em>renee@reneeallenmccoy.com</em></a><em> </em></span></span></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-68890250569651657592011-09-06T00:14:00.001-04:002011-09-06T00:15:51.470-04:00The Truth Shall Make You Free <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwJm9qe1quw/TmWYBL90pgI/AAAAAAAAAcg/TRX-PbWp2K0/s1600/Soul-Ties-FRONT-COVER+emai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200px" nba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwJm9qe1quw/TmWYBL90pgI/AAAAAAAAAcg/TRX-PbWp2K0/s200/Soul-Ties-FRONT-COVER+emai.jpg" width="129px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FaytheWorks Publishing</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="BkWzdChapterTextCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0.25in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="line-height: 125%;">And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. </span><span style="line-height: 125%;">John 8:32, KJV</span></span></div><div class="BkWzdChapterTextCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: .05in; mso-element-frame-width: 48.0pt; mso-element-linespan: 3; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: dropcap-dropped; mso-height-rule: exactly; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">THIS SCRIPTURE offers an amazing combination of relief and freedom for the believer. God’s life-changing truth can never be trumped by the enemy’s deceptive lies. For those who have a desire to learn more about Jesus Christ, the Scriptures testify of Him. In Him and only in Him is there eternal life. It is simply up to the individual to receive what God has to offer. Considering what the Holy Spirit has taught me, I feel a great obligation to share Christ and love another brother or sister enough to tell them the truth. </span>In my new non-fiction book, <em>Soul Ties</em>, many taboo topics are discussed, but with helpful solutions to those who suffer in silence.</span></div><div class="BkWzdChapterTextCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Through all of my ignorance, disobedience, and sin, God still loved me. God loves those who don’t even love Him and this is threaded throughout His Word—the Holy Bible. Jesus Christ saved me from Hell and saved me from myself. When I fell in the desires of my flesh, God still remained the same: loving, giving, patient, and kind. Although we encounter trials and tribulations here on Earth, even after being saved from Hell, God still does not allow us to go through more than we can bear. He does provide us with a way of escape. The problem is that many of us don’t take advantage of the emergency exit He affords. Why is that? </span></div><div class="BkWzdChapterTextCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> One reason could be that so many are preoccupied with “life” and the things of the world that the open door of escape is either ignored or not even noticed. Being this heavily engrossed could cause a person to become more attracted and deeply devoted to things that are outside of God’s will. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What a chilling thought</i>. Through my experience in witnessing, I’ve often found that the generic response or attitude to my deterring others from dangerous pitfalls and toward the Lord is, “Oh, God knows my heart…” This is a sobering truth. Do many realize the divine revelation they’ve actually spoken? And the sad part is that this complacent response typically comes from many professed Christians.</span></div><div class="BkWzdChapterTextCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0.25in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="BkWzdChapterTextCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0.25in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">These people draw near Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts hold off and are far away from Me. Uselessly do they worship Me, for they teach as doctrines the commands of men.</span></span></span></div><div align="right" class="BkWzdChapterTextCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0.25in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: right; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Matthew 15:8-9, AMP</span></span></span></div><div align="right" class="BkWzdChapterTextCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0.25in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: right; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="BkWzdChapterTextCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> As the Lord has placed on my heart for some time now to write this book, I finally humbled in submission. I had to repent for procrastinating. My mind swarmed with thoughts of how to present it, how to make it relatable, and how to share without appearing judgmental (although the Word will ultimately judge, not man). Clearly, eternal judgment is reserved for God, as He has the final say. While human beings form opinions and are biased in certain instances, only God can pass judgment to either receive a person into Heaven or hurl them into Hell. </span></div><div class="BkWzdChapterTextCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> The bottom line is the truth is the truth. There is no way to sugar coat, no way to dress it up to receive widespread approval of man, and no way to share it other than to be direct. God has taught me this by example through His Word. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 12:4). </span></div><div class="BkWzdChapterTextCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> It is my sincere desire to share with others what I have learned. The damaging effects of Greek Lettered sororities and fraternities, Masonry, along with other subjects are discussed in this book. I aim to encourage readers with the testimonies included from dedicated Christians who openly share the Light of God with the world—not some generic god who is powerless in the face of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">One</b> true and living God. </span></div><div class="BkWzdChapterTextCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> In <em>Soul Ties</em>, at the end of each chapter (beginning with Chapter 2), you’ll find a self-examination question in addition to practical applications to help you discover areas in your life that may need repair. These things will assist you in becoming a healthier and more spiritually minded person.</span></div><div class="BkWzdChapterTextCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Other topics covered include deliverance from the devastating affects of rape, molestation, promiscuity, bondage to drugs and other addictions, and domestic abuse. We are our brother’s keeper and should care enough about the next person to share what we’ve learned through Biblical insight and personal experience that line up with God’s Word. </span></div><div class="BkWzdChapterTextCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> It is not my intention to ignite discord. That is far from my motive. It is to simply share with others the caution that should be taken upon entering any relationship or association, whether with a potential mate or in joining a sorority, fraternity, or secret society that is inconsistent with one’s Christian faith. One day we will have to give an account to God for the things done in this life. We must be careful of the decisions we make because sometimes the consequences may have an eternal effect. </span></div><div class="BkWzdChapterTextCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> The contents of <em>Soul Ties</em> are in no way, shape, or form intended to condemn anyone. When I justly deserved to be cast out of God’s sight, the Lord was patient with me and I just want others to experience the freedom and mercy that I have. God knew my previous outlook was distorted and not as He would have it to be. In the past, my view was assuredly that of a carnal mind, but what a loving and forgiving God we serve!</span></div><div class="BkWzdChapterTextCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"> This world, Earth as we know it, is only our temporary home and before I leave, I aim to do something meaningful with the life God has given me. Our experiences are not just our own. Our tests can become testimonies. It is my hope to help, even if that means only one person, to receive deliverance from damaging soul ties—deliverance that can only come through God</span>. </span></div><div class="BkWzdChapterTextCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thank you all for your support. May God bless and keep you. Consider sharing this information with a friend or family member. God came to set the captives free.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ebook coming soon!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.faytheworks.com/">http://www.faytheworks.com/</a> </span>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-69806996213175460752011-07-04T14:51:00.009-04:002011-07-05T21:59:01.586-04:00In the Land of the Free<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJ9_hG0WPj0/ThIH8DrpsOI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/oz4OjayhZc0/s1600/freedom.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJ9_hG0WPj0/ThIH8DrpsOI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/oz4OjayhZc0/s1600/freedom.bmp" /></a>“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed,” John 8:36, NKJV.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></strong>magine, many Christians don’t enjoy the freedoms that Americans do in sharing their faith. We are allowed to stand on corners, pass out Gospel tracts, go into prisons for services, et cetera, but how many of us, saints, actually do it? We are to let our light shine before the world so that God will be glorified in Heaven. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I encourage every Christian to consider how it would affect you if you couldn’t share your faith. If it wouldn’t matter either way to you, then you need to reevaluate what Christ means to you. I’m well aware that there are moments in life, even in the land of the free, that sharing one’s faith is challenging or even prohibited, but that should never prompt a person to deny God. We can still share Christ by the way that we live. A great example would be that of Richard Wurmbrand, who founded <a href="http://www.persecution.com/">Voice of the Martyrs</a>. In His book, <em>Tortured for Christ</em>, the reader will discover how free you can really be, even in chains for God.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In this issue, I share an interview with a woman of God whom it was a pleasure to meet. It is wonderful to meet another Christian who has a desire to do His will. Deanetta Thompson's life in itself is an inspiration to others as she serves the Lord. Here, you'll get an inside look at the woman who survived numerous setbacks, but pressed forward and became a published author who started her own Christian Lifestyle e-zine (Christian Women Lifestyle xPress) that will become a trademarked LLC in just a couple weeks. Deanetta is a 20 year veteran of the army, defending our freedom here in the United States. I more so salute her dedication for her steadfastness in the army of the Lord.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">__________________________________________ </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Introducing Deanetta Thompson, Budding CEO</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With a vision to share through her writings what God has placed upon her heart, Deanetta is well aware of spiritual warfare. As shared in her bio (<a href="http://cwlxpress.com/2011/03/about-ceo/">full bio here</a>), Deanetta accurately identifies that we are living in the last and evil days. As wickedness increase, it becomes even more important for Christians, the saints of God, to stand against the wiles of the devil.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Deanetta admits that her childhood was not easy, but realized that God had a plan for her life. And today as a married woman of three children, she realizes many of those dreams through her steadfast faith in the Lord. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>An interview with Deanetta…</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ML7VFzTyT8/ThIFTlOFM1I/AAAAAAAAAcE/F9_DtekI3lo/s1600/Deanetta+Thompson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200px" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ML7VFzTyT8/ThIFTlOFM1I/AAAAAAAAAcE/F9_DtekI3lo/s200/Deanetta+Thompson.jpg" width="150px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deanetta P. Thompson<br />
Photo courtesy of author</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>SUN</strong>: Have you always wanted to be an author? How did you start writing, and what pushed you to finish your first book?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><strong>DT</strong></span>: I started writing at the age of 14. I did not realize at the time what I was doing. I just picked up a pen and piece of paper and started writing. But the most amazing thing is I started writing songs. Something I don’t normally share with the world… but originally I wanted to be a singer. I still have that urge every now and then to blast a few notes, however my magazine is where my heart is.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>SUN</strong>: What are the titles of your books? What are they about?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><strong>DT</strong></span>: I have two eBooks I have on the market now: Sistas… Do You Know What to Look For When Choosing Your Man? and Marital Warfare.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Sistas… Do You Know What to Look For When Choosing Your Man</em>? deals with all the qualities a woman should look for in a man with biblical Scriptures to follow. This is not a boring e-Book; I had to get raw with a few topics, but I am sure I got my point across.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Marital Warfare</em> is about different women and their issues in life that affect their marriages. The majority of these women came into the marriage with problems. I also provide biblical Scriptures for each story to give my readers a Godly solution to whatever their issues might be.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>SUN</strong>: In your books, are you able to identify with any of the characters, if so, how? If not, why?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nh9TZaAgKJE/ThIFWOE_3fI/AAAAAAAAAcI/Z6O-SVcoYxI/s1600/choosingyourman_ebookcover%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nh9TZaAgKJE/ThIFWOE_3fI/AAAAAAAAAcI/Z6O-SVcoYxI/s200/choosingyourman_ebookcover%255B1%255D.jpg" width="150px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">DT</span></strong>: I can identify with S<em>istas… Do You Know What To Look For When Choosing Your Man</em>? I expressed in this e-Book a lot of the foolish mistakes I made and decisions that caused me pain, drama, along with a life spiraling downhill. [Details will be included in a future book.]</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>SUN</strong>: What do you hope to accomplish in sharing your literary works with the world? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">DT</span></strong>: I hope women will be able to grasp the concept “put God first.” Make no decisions without Him. Stop looking for a sugar daddy and value your body. Some women are so desperate for a man [that] they will go to any means to get one. Before you get married discuss it with God. Make sure he is the right one for you; it could cost you your life and sanity! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: black;">SUN</span></strong>: As you write, do you find yourself learning new things as the process goes along?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><strong>DT</strong></span>: Yes I do. I find out more about myself and how my mind operates which causes all the decisions I make in life.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>SUN</strong>: What is one thing you’d encouraged someone to do?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">DT</span></strong>: Follow your goals and be good at it. Keep God in the picture and ask Him, “Lord what do you have planned for me?” Because your dreams might not be what He has planned for you. Sometimes we can take it upon ourselves to create our own future without including Him and [then] fail, but can’t seem to understand why.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>SUN</strong>: If you could sum your life up in one sentence, what would you say?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">DT</span></strong>: I am a survivor because of God’s grace and mercy He bestowed upon me.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>SUN</strong>: How can readers get in touch with you (website, email)? And where are your books available for sale?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSOlLwU_G9k/ThIFZGCtLdI/AAAAAAAAAcM/122Oo7CDcOU/s1600/Author+Deanetta+Thompson%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSOlLwU_G9k/ThIFZGCtLdI/AAAAAAAAAcM/122Oo7CDcOU/s200/Author+Deanetta+Thompson%255B1%255D.jpg" width="150px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #ea9999;">DT</span></strong>: The older version of my eBooks is on Amazon ready for download:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Marital-Warfare-ebook/dp/B0041OSZTE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309805250&sr=8-1">Marital Warfare</a></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sistas-Know-What-Choosing-ebook/dp/B0042JUAJQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1309805306&sr=8-2">Sistas… Do You Know What to Look For When You Choosing Your Man?</a></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Or the new version can be ordered from my site <a href="http://www.cwlxpress.com/">http://www.cwlxpress.com/</a> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">My email is <a href="mailto:ceo@cwlxpress.com">ceo@cwlxpress.com</a>. I am always looking for writers to contribute to my online magazine and of course they will receive all the credit.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">I appreciate the opportunity to share my eBooks and thoughts with Straight Up! readers.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">___________________________________________ </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">U</span></strong>ntil next time,</div><br />
Happy Reading and a safe 4th of July! And remember, true freedom only comes through Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
<em>To submit a testimony or an article for contribution, please email me at</em> <a href="mailto:renee@reneeallenmccoy.com">renee@reneeallenmccoy.com</a>.Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-65650440102668391362011-06-01T00:46:00.009-04:002011-07-01T12:18:56.538-04:00Building Success from Failure<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><strong></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3OneS7fxDQ/TeXAYQVSRxI/AAAAAAAAAbM/WD-CgRsDe5U/s1600/success+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" height="176px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3OneS7fxDQ/TeXAYQVSRxI/AAAAAAAAAbM/WD-CgRsDe5U/s200/success+picture.jpg" t8="true" width="200px" /></strong></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">"If the ax is dull, a</span><span style="font-size: small;">nd one does not sharpen the edge, t</span></em><span style="font-size: small;"><em>hen he must use more strength, but wisdom brings success,</em><em>" Ecclesiastes 10:10.</em><strong> </strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">S</span></strong>urrounded by those who go after their dreams, no matter how much adversity is faced along the way; I thank God for where I am in my life. I thank Him for hope, I thank Him for grace, and I thank Him for mercy. I choose to focus on the good things that He has afforded to me rather than dwell on the negative distractions. Isn’t it a good thing to thank God along the way to where you ultimately want to be?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As we celebrate Father’s Day this month, I thank God for a father who did what he knew he could do rather than succumb to what society says he can’t. I thank God for men in my life who are pillars of strength, shunning the image of a black man who’s weak, compromising, and prison-prone. Isn’t it a good thing to thank God for who is in your life now along the way to embracing those who will eventually will be there?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Failure comes in many different forms and it’s meaning varies depending upon whom you may ask. For some, it is in a relationship that doesn't work out, for others it may be in a career path where you can't hold a job, yet let us consider that in God you can’t go wrong. It all depends on how you look at the situation, are you looking through rose-colored lenses or the death-defying shades of negativity? Things may not always go your way, but consider that it is going the way it’s supposed to. What God has for you is for you, and as long as you make Him the head of your life, you’ll never fail unless you stop trying to succeed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In this issue, Renarda Williams presents an interview with author/talk show host Tavis Smiley about his new book, <em>Fail Up: 20 Lessons on Building Success from Failure</em>. Insightful words from a man whose failure provided stepping stones to where he is today. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">___________________________________________ </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Tavis Smiley on Building Success from Failure </strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By Renarda Williams </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></strong>n today's society, no one is exempt from setbacks and failures — whether he or she is a renowned (or not so renowned), clergy, educator, attorney, physician, political figure, or scientist. Everyone has experienced some type of failure in their lives. And they had to start all over to succeed and achieve lifetime goals. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tavis Smiley — a successful business owner, notable philanthropist, host of his own national and radio programs — is no exception. Who would ever believe Smiley experienced setbacks such as: being fired, arrested, and turning down a major television opportunity and risking his future in broadcasting. Well, he did ... and all of these — and more — describes what Smiley faced during his “success scars.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Smiley shares his "success scars," and how he overcame them, in Fail Up: 20 Lessons on Building Success from Failure (Smiley Books, 2011). Smiley has created a "remarkable" blueprint, with Fail Up, to help people overcome failure — by learning from disappointments, setbacks, ... — in order to achieve success in life. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>Here are some of Tavis’ 20: Quotes from Fail Up (courtesy of Smiley Books)</em></strong> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5RqeTYvU6Rk/TeW6uBOFurI/AAAAAAAAAbI/BDlXYel3vlo/s1600/fail+up.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5RqeTYvU6Rk/TeW6uBOFurI/AAAAAAAAAbI/BDlXYel3vlo/s1600/fail+up.gif" t8="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Father Knows Best</strong>: Even when things aren’t equal, if it’s meant for you to receive God’s grace, you’re going to get it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Get Ready to Be Ready</strong>: The truth of life is that it isn’t always up, but it’s not always down either. Life, by definition, is a series of ups and downs. It really boils down to high-quality choices. The challenge is making the right choice… </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Remain Civilized Even When You’re Justified</strong>: When we conduct ourselves with dignity, we walk through the world with an inviolable sense of respect that invites emulation. Respect for others means we commit to making sacrifices.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Before Honor Comes Humility</strong>: If arrogance is the disease, then humility is the cure. If we want to create a balance where our passions don’t elicit accusations of arrogance, then we must strive for abundant doses of humility. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Cheaters Never Win</strong>: You can correct and even reprimand somebody, but at the same time, you can affirm that person. If you are in a position of power, you can also offer a second chance. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Don’t Do Me No Favors</strong>: Make sure you always give before you get. Be it in your personal or business life, reciprocity is sweeter when the exchange of services, favors, or goods is mutual. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Due to Smiley's busy schedule, he was not available for a telephone interview with Straight Up. The following is a list of questions submitted by Straight Up, and answers by Smiley in a news release offered by his Smiley Books publicist</em>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RW</strong>: What influenced you to explore that failure can be good for us in Fail Up? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #45818e;">SMILEY</span></strong>: When I turned 40, I realized a crisis point in my life; I didn't believe I would ever succeed at all the things I wanted to do. The fact is that it's true — and that's a beautiful thing. As Samuel Beckett put it, 'Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.' This brilliant philosophy pulled together what I then understood as an inherent truth: Failure is inevitable. How we respond to failure is the key. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Looking back at my life, I, like many who have succeeded in spite of failure, have achieved what I have because I took life's setbacks and turned them into steps forward. My decision to share what were at times embarrassing public and private shortcomings wasn't easy. The reality, though, is that we all struggle and we all want to succeed. Not sharing this most crucial lesson of success — that it begins by turning failures into 'fail up' opportunities — would be far worse than any blemishes and mishaps I have suffered. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RW</strong>: What personal “fail up” do you think will surprise readers?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #45818e;">SMILEY</span></strong>: I can say for sure that some of my earlier indiscretions and mistakes might have some folks shaking their head. Yes, even Tavis Smiley has had run-ins with the law. The section where I find out firsthand what writing bad checks can do to a person, I think, will both surprise and, hopefully, scare some young folks straight.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The other fail up moment I think people will come away surprised by is when I delve into a personal indiscretion I committed while in a relationship, which I detail later in the book. Like I said, I’m not one for letting all my dirty laundry air for just anyone to see, but this situation was very real, personal reminder of how one’s professional life can be impacted by the wrong things said, at the wrong time, to the wrong people in your private life. I learned the lesson the hard way: Loose lips really do sink ships.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RW</strong>: How is <em>Fail Up</em> different from your memoir <em>What I Know For Sure</em>, and your previous books? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #45818e;">SMILEY</span></strong>: There’re a lot of similarities between <em>Fail Up</em> and my memoir. But they are, at their core, very different books. My memoir was the retelling of important segments of my life. It was a chance to share my story with my fans and supporters. But like most memories it was a one-way street. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Fail Up</em>, on the other hand, is more of a conversation. Yes, my life and experiences are at the center of the message that adversity can become an asset if you approach it correctly. But <em>Fail Up</em> pulls from the challenges and successes of many others. Many of them are personal heroes of mine. Others are people in the spotlight, whether in sports or politics. I also share the story of everyday folk experiencing a real teachable moment. Through all these treads, <em>Fail Up</em> weaves together a powerful, crucial message that challenges readers to become agents of change in their own lives — by daring to change their minds. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RW</strong>: How important it is for young people to experience the opportunity to “fail up?” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #45818e;">SMILEY</span></strong>: Kids can do some pretty dumb things—I know I did—but it doesn’t mean mistakes should become life sentences. With the right guidance and compassion, a young person’s shortcomings can become a valuable moment of maturation. It’s important for adults to remember they, too, can, allow a young person to ‘fail up’ simply by taking the opportunity to help that young person become a better person for their failure, rather than beating them down or branding them for life. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RW</strong>: What do you hope <em>Fail Up</em> will do to help Americans who struggling to find employment during these tough economic times? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><strong>SMILEY</strong></span>: Let me be clear up front: too many Americans today are suffering through no fault of their own. Despite some encouraging signs that the worst is behind us, many parts of America —not least of which is the African American community, which continues to lag behind in employment—don’t feel like things are getting better. In face of this adversity, we have a choice: give in or grab hold. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My hope is that <em>Fail Up</em> will motivate people through powerful examples, helping them to focus on what’s possible, even in these challenging times. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RW</strong>: You mention the importance of “faith” throughout <em>Fail Up</em>. Do you believe God wants everyone to fail up? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #45818e;">SMILEY</span></strong>: Absolutely. As human beings, cracked vessels that we are…only through failure are we able to realize how human we are and to see the path that God has laid before us. We all fail at points in our lives and think that we’ve got things figured out better than God, whether it’s in our careers, in our personal lives, or even in what we think we want to major in college. But believe me, what God has in store for us cannot be avoided. Failing up is, in many ways, the process of realigning ourselves with the path that we were meant to be on all along —we just got lost along the way.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That path is different for everyone, but each of us has tremendous potential in what the Lord has called us to do. I am blessed every day that God has called me to do what I do, but there is also an inherent responsibility. In that way it doesn’t matter if God is calling you to be President of the United States or president of the local PTA, your gifts are suited to make you the best at what you are, and in the process be the best for those around you.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Tavis Smiley hosts the late-night talk show, Tavis Smiley on PBS, The Tavis Smiley Show distributed by Public Radio International (PRI), and is the co-host of Smiley & West on (PRI). He is the first American to simultaneously host signature talk shows on both public television and public radio. </em></div><em></em><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Smiley has authored 14 books, including the book he edited, Covenant with Black America, which became the first nonfiction book by a Black-owned publisher to reach #1 on The New York Times bestseller list. </em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><em>He is also the presenter and creative force behind America I AM: The African American Imprint—an unprecedented traveling museum exhibition celebrating the extraordinary impact of African American contributions to our nation and to the world. In 2009, TIME magazine named him to their list of The World’s 100 Most Influential People. This year, 2011, marks his 20th year in broadcasting. </em></div><div style="text-align: justify;">________________________________________________</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">T</span></strong>hank you for reading and remember, you never fail unless you stop trying to succeed. Don't be afraid to get up and try again. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">"<em>For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, of love, and of a sound mind</em>," 2 Timothy 1:7. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Until next time,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">May God continue to bless you!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>To submit a testimony or an article for contribution, please email me at</em> <a href="mailto:renee@reneeallenmccoy.com"><span style="color: #660000;">renee@reneeallenmccoy.com</span></a>. </div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-88574755257363412362011-05-07T20:17:00.033-04:002011-05-08T21:57:58.656-04:00It's All About God<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h9U3IEMjUTY/TcXnH2jF8QI/AAAAAAAAAas/2dFRx3hPpqk/s1600/light.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h9U3IEMjUTY/TcXnH2jF8QI/AAAAAAAAAas/2dFRx3hPpqk/s1600/light.bmp" /></a>“<em>Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven</em>,” Matthew 5:16.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">E</span></strong>verything we do ought to point back to God. He is the reason why we are here, the reason why we have life. The reason why we were created is to praise and worship God. As we celebrate Mother’s Day amongst other personal triumphs we have in life, let us not forget about Who makes it all possible. We collectively celebrated His Resurrection a couple weeks ago, and praises for what was accomplished on the Cross is reason enough to praise Him every day of our lives. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Family members graduating from college or high school, in some cases, pre-school, ought not to supersede our excitement of crossing the threshold into the Kingdom of God. There are nice accomplishments here on Earth, but our foremost focus should be on things above: Heaven. So, as we celebrate our mothers, grandmothers, and other mothers, let us not forget about the One who lent them to us: God.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In this issue, I introduce Christian author, Myra Rutledge. We connected online and I am pleased to announce her upcoming novel, <em>Souls Harbor</em>. I’ve only read the teaser thus far, but I’m sure the book will deliver a message that indeed directs us to the Lord. Look for my review later on <a href="http://inhisnamebookclub.blogspot.com/">In His Name Book Club</a> this summer. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">_________________________________________________</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><strong><em>Introducing Christian Author, Myra Rutledge</em></strong> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83e4m7U_H5s/TcXRXuSUICI/AAAAAAAAAag/XAWPtAQsYCc/s1600/myra+rutledge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-83e4m7U_H5s/TcXRXuSUICI/AAAAAAAAAag/XAWPtAQsYCc/s1600/myra+rutledge.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of <br />
Author Myra Rutledge</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">M</span></strong>yra Rutledge is a Christian writer and the author of the self-published inspirational poetry book, <em>A Powerful Woman</em>. Myra is a life-long resident of Birmingham, Alabama, where her love for creative arts began in the local schools. But it was not until she gave her life to Christ that He enhanced her gifts of singing and writing. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In past years, Myra has also sung in local stage productions and has even filmed a commercial, lending her voice as one of three Saving Graces. And she has worked creatively in the Drama Ministry at Church. The upcoming book, <em>Souls Harbor,</em> is her first novel.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In a recent interview, Myra provided more insight into her world of writing. In her words:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>SUN</strong>: How did your literary career begin?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #a64d79;">RUTLEDGE</span></strong>: My career as a writer began in church in the late eighties. Although I had been writing all my life, it wasn’t until I participated in the drama ministry that my gift of writing was developed. During this time, I was born-again and received the anointing of the Holy Spirit. I wrote original skits, poetry, and produced a play, “Flames of Another Trial,” that was well received by the masses. I’ve written another play, “Juvenile Status,” but I have yet to produce this one. My inspiration comes from church; whether it’s the pastor’s sermons, the congregation, or the Bible stories I’ve studied. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>SUN</strong>: What has your writing journey been like thus far?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #a64d79;">RUTLEDGE</span></strong>: The journey to producing my first novel, “Souls Harbor,” has been an interesting one. I’ve been attentive with an open mind and ears, and I’ve appreciated every person the Lord has sent my way. God is in complete control of my life, so I know He has sent me on this journey and down these paths. Every road I’ve trotted is a learning experience I can use, not only to help myself, but others. In following God’s lead, I’ve learned quite a bit about writing, other authors, publishing houses, and self-publishing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>SUN</strong>: What books have you written to date?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #a64d79;">RUTLEDGE</span></strong>: I have a poetry book, “A Powerful Woman,” that’s available on Amazon. This is a collection of inspirational poems. This book is named from the poem, “A Powerful Woman,” that’s listed in the book. “Souls Harbor” is my first novel. I’m not releasing another novel until I’ve successfully produced “Souls Harbor.” But I do have another completed novel, “Too Much Like Right,” which I plan to produce later this year, once “Souls Harbor” is released. I also have another novel, “Just Love Me,” that I’m working on and hope to produce next year. I’m also in the works of producing “Souls Harbor” as a play for 2012.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>SUN</strong>: Tell us more about why you wrote your current fiction title, Souls Harbor.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #a64d79;">RUTLEDGE</span></strong>: My first Christian Fiction read was “Church Folk,” by Michele Andrea Bowen. I enjoyed the book and was inspired to write a novel under that Genre. Nowadays, I think that the Genre, Christian Fiction, is stretched too loosely. Being a Christian means more than being a “Church person.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>SUN</strong>: What do you hope to accomplish with your books?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #a64d79;">RUTLEDGE</span></strong>: Through my novels, I hope that God will use me to bring others into doing His Will. This is the purpose for my writing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>SUN</strong>: How can readers get in contact with you?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #a64d79;">RUTLEDGE</span></strong>: I can be reached through the following:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/myra.rutledge1">www.facebook.com/myra.rutledge1</a>; <a href="http://www.christianwriter.biz/">http://www.christianwriter.biz/</a> and <a href="http://www.myrarutledge.com/">http://www.myrarutledge.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Email: <a href="mailto:Awowpublications@yahoo.com">Awowpublications@yahoo.com</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><strong>About Souls Harbor</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_687955138"><img border="0" height="200px" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J33P0xKn5Ss/TcXVBTs9CqI/AAAAAAAAAak/TKJjPyuEzGM/s200/souls+harbor.jpg" width="156px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AWOW Publications: <br />
<a href="http://www.myrarutledge.com/CHAPTER-1---JADA.html">Click here for full synopsis</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Four years after a devastating Saturday evening car wreck shattered his dream of playing in the NBA, Jamal Greene is married to the beautiful and deceitful Jada Greene; he is oblivious to some events leading to the wreck and the entire weekend. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Living in their hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, Jada is a devoted choir member at Mt. Zion Church and works in Real Estate Sales. Jamal spends time in physical rehabilitation while holding resentment toward God for his present state of being.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">The compromising Latoya Hobbs is Jada's best friend and daughter to the pastor of Mt. Zion Church. Latoya quickly becomes weary of Jada's adulterous liaisons with a mysterious, rich, and older man. In reminiscing about her own failed relationships and a secret sexual seduction that haunts her spirit, Latoya prays for a man to truly love her.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rain Jefferies, the divorced and born-again Christian, is Jamal's new Physical Therapist who offers him a renewed hope through her pastor's Biblical Study Guide. The answer to a secret she holds can complete her but destroy a marriage and the Hobbs' family ministry.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pastor Silas Hobbs Sr, holding past secrets that a deacon is desperately seeking to uncover, finds himself trying to hold on to his willed position as pastor of Mt. Zion Church. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">As these souls harbor destructive secrets and lies, who will grab hold of the anchor before being completely destroyed?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">* * *</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">For more information about the author and her debut novel, visit the author's website. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">___________________________________________ </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">U</span></strong>ntil next time,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Happy Reading!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>To submit a testimony or an article for contribution, please email me at</em> <a href="mailto:renee@reneeallenmccoy.com"><span style="color: #660000;">renee@reneeallenmccoy.com</span></a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-55871462280003099452011-04-05T20:15:00.003-04:002011-04-05T21:01:15.116-04:00There is No Rock Like Our God<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9nDS4ID0kOk/TZusnE-dsYI/AAAAAAAAAaU/jh6GBWs2jnc/s1600/cross.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9nDS4ID0kOk/TZusnE-dsYI/AAAAAAAAAaU/jh6GBWs2jnc/s1600/cross.bmp" /></a><strong><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">"</span></sup></strong><em>There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God</em>," 1 Samuel 1:2</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">E</span></strong>aster is a time to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in Him that everything [outside of His will] was defeated. Any situation or illness we'll ever encounter has been defeated on the cross. He died for past, present, and future sins. God took everything upon Him, even death, so that we may live — eternally. What an awesome God we serve. To know that no matter what challenges or problems we may endure in life, He is the Answer to it all.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Resurrection Sunday wasn't just merely an event that occured over two thousand years ago, it was The Event. Note in Isaiah 9:6, one of God's names is <strong>Wonderful Counselor</strong>. What an amazing God to know that even when we get weighed down in this world, He is there to see us through it. To minister exactly what we need to hear and what we ought to do. The Holy Spirit is our Guide, our <strong>Comforter</strong>. God knew that we would need Him in that way... He knows us, after all He created us. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As we celebrate Easter this month, which is not about furry rabbits and colored eggs, let us remember what was accomplished at Calvary. There we have victory. And if you don't know Who He is, read God's love story to the world: "<em><strong>For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life</strong></em>," John 3:16.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In this issue, Renarda Williams shares an interview conducted with Lisa M. Brown about her bout with depression. It is noted that many women of color, many black women, suffer in silence because they assume no one will understand or that it's just something that just doesn't happen to black women. Lisa opens up and shares her story and introduces her new book, <em>Strong on the Outside, Dying on the Inside: A Black Woman's Guide to Finding Freedom from Depression.</em> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>____________________________________________ </strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Depression in Black Women: A Discussion with Lisa M. Brown</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By Renarda Williams </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Depression is a highly treatable disorder affecting some 17-20 million Americans annually," according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The National Mental Health Association (NMHA) reports that only "one-third of all persons with major depression ever seek treatment."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even more startling, NMHA reports, "African Americans and persons over 65 years old are the least likely to seek professional help. And among affected African Americans, only 12 percent of women actually seek treatment." This resistance to getting help is often attributable to the belief in the Black community that depression is a White woman's illness and not a legitimate health problem.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AF1_O2M9Poc/TZu3ESpZ86I/AAAAAAAAAaY/q1D9tV0EXO0/s1600/Lisa%2527s+book-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AF1_O2M9Poc/TZu3ESpZ86I/AAAAAAAAAaY/q1D9tV0EXO0/s200/Lisa%2527s+book-cover.jpg" width="135" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Published by Xulon Press</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">In an inspirational and spirit-filled book, <em>Strong on the Outside, Dying on the Inside: A Black Woman's Guide to Finding Freedom from Depression</em> (Xulon Press, 2011), Lisa M. Brown pulls the cover off this taboo subject to encourage Black women — who consider themselves strong and accomplished — to face their depression and seek professional treatment.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">"There is simply not enough being said about depression in the Black community. It affects so many of us, yet our cultural norms and traditions — particularly in the Black church — have rendered us silent. This book will be an important step in the right direction for many, especially church-going women," says Terrie M. Williams. Williams is a health advocate, public relations mogul and founder of The Terrie Williams Agency in New York, NY, and author of <em>Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting</em> (Scribner, 2008).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Brown, a dynamic and passionate entrepreneur, daughter, sister, and mother of three — with the help of God and treatment — overcame depression to lead a thriving Washington, DC-based consulting firm. Brown's book is a blueprint, and should be considered a smaller version of Black Pain, for Black women confronting depression. Brown remarkably uses her experience, and the biblical story of Hannah, to get her point across to Black women about how important it is to face depression head on, and overcome it!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Black women facing depression, who will read this extraordinary book about Brown's personal story, will feel like she is telling their story ... and knowing they are not alone. Amazingly, at the end of each chapter, Brown says a prayer to spiritually uplift readers (especially Black women facing depression) to be encouraged, knowing that God is always with us.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Recently, I interviewed Brown, via telephone, for <em>Straight Up</em> about her book and depression in Black women today.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RW</strong>: What influenced you to use the example of Hannah, in your book, to describe the depression of Black women?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqFEZIwXS1M/TZuo3Z7ROqI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/HbBp9J9wJuA/s1600/LisaBrown-Author%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqFEZIwXS1M/TZuo3Z7ROqI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/HbBp9J9wJuA/s200/LisaBrown-Author%255B1%255D.jpg" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisa M. Brown</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #674ea7;">BROWN</span></strong>: It was for my own personal devotion. I was looking for something in the Bible about what I was feeling during my depression. I read the story of Hannah in 2005 ... it struck me and I related to her pain. I was able to relate to her story.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RW</strong>: How important it is for Black people, or anyone, who are depressed to break their silence and seek help?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #674ea7;">BROWN</span></strong>: We need to get over the perception that nothing is wrong with us. We [Black people] can talk about racism, discrimination, and other issues, but we cannot talk about depression. Talking is the key to healing. By resorting to silence, we increase the pain. Talking to free yourself of pain ... release what comes out!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RW</strong>: During your depression, what was the boiling point where you realized God was the only one to help you?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #674ea7;">BROWN</span></strong>: I was [absolutely] tired and hit rock bottom. I was tired of being tired ... and always in pain. I told God, 'I need to get out!'</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RW</strong>: Why do you think some Black women, as well as some Black men, feel like they can take on the world, and ignore depression?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #674ea7;">BROWN</span></strong>: It has been a tradition, and a part of our culture, that was passed down ... . We just keep going, going ... as if nothing is wrong with us. We do not want to be [looked upon], or have the perception that we are weak. We want [everyone] to see and believe that we are strong.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Lisa M. Brown attained professional success early in her career and at the age of 35, she became one of the youngest senior executives with the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, a Washington, D.C.-based trade association. She later went on the build Nonprofit HR Solutions, a fast-growing and trailblazing consultant firm focused on meeting the human resources needs of nonprofit organizations.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Brown is deeply committed to living out her faith in God in a meaningful way. She has been an active member of the music ministries of her churches in Toronto, Canada, where she grew up, as well as in Washington, D.C.</em></div><em></em><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Brown also served as business manager for the Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University; member of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church under the leadership of Archbishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; and as minister of music and praise team leader with the Bladensburg SDA Church. Brown currently attends Bladensburg SDA Church, where Noah L. Washington is the pastor.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">________________________________________________ </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></strong>n Closing,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I pose the question to those who may be dealing or struggling with depression: Is there anything too hard for God to handle? If you aren't a Christian, I can understand how it can overtake your life, but as Christians we are called to lay it at the altar of our Lord and Savior. This is not to say we won't encounter times in our lives when we are discouraged by the things that go on around us, but that when we are we can cast our burdens (our cares) upon the Lord, for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). The Lord is with us, and He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrwes 13:5). Just as Hannah sought the Lord because she grieved, we should also. Seek Him in all things. Just as King David sought God for strength, we must also encourage ourselves in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And we too will rejoice as Hannah did.<em> "HANNAH PRAYED, and said, My heart exults and triumphs in the Lord; my horn (my strength) is lifted up in the Lord. My mouth is no longer silent, for it is opened wide over my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. There is none holy like the Lord, there is none besides You; <strong>there is no Rock like our God</strong>,"</em> 1 Samuel 2:1-2, AMP.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">God can do the same for you. Seek Him ... for everything we need is indeed in the Lord. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"># # # </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">To submit a testimony or an article for contribution, please email me at <a href="mailto:renee@reneeallenmccoy.com"><span style="color: #660000;">renee@reneeallenmccoy.com</span></a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-37832284659751374722011-03-04T20:12:00.003-05:002011-03-05T10:23:48.547-05:00Making a Difference...<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-33dMC6roA8Y/TXGNB6aRUyI/AAAAAAAAAaA/W-J0xwK3aNA/s1600/picture+march.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-33dMC6roA8Y/TXGNB6aRUyI/AAAAAAAAAaA/W-J0xwK3aNA/s1600/picture+march.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">"<em>Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp,</em>" Psalm 150:1-3.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">T</span></strong>hank God for blessing many of us with the ability to entertain through film, books, and music. This is the month where I present my brand new book, <em>The Eleventh Hour</em>, the third installment of <em>The Fiery Furnace</em> series. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>The Eleventh Hour</em> is a title symbolic of God’s grace, love, and forgiveness to the youth as well as the elderly. There are many who have been saved since childhood, but often we do find those who accept Christ in their golden years. Either way, it is all good because God forgives whether we’re nine years old or seventy-nine years old. And in this book, it is my prayer that many will consider forgiving others in the same manner that God forgives us. A brief description of the forthcoming novel is detailed below.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Later in this issue, get an inside look at well known Jazz trumpeter, Wynton Marsalis, through an article written by contributing writer, Renarda Williams. Marsalis' contribution to the arts is well noted and an inspiration to the aspiring musician.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">_______________________________________________ </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Eleventh Hour <span style="font-size: x-small;">(March 2011) </span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">ISBN</span></strong>: 978-1-934195-53-6</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Backed against a wall with time running out...</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uOQDE5EfsRI/TXF-mZonDtI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/T6l_8Ozq5B0/s1600/11thHour%255B1%255Dweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uOQDE5EfsRI/TXF-mZonDtI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/T6l_8Ozq5B0/s200/11thHour%255B1%255Dweb.jpg" width="128" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">C</span></strong>hallenged by the recent discovery of past events, Jermaine holds fast knowing that God wouldn’t bring him this far … just to leave him. He’s new in the faith, but determined to live a life pleasing to the Lord. Just when a ray of light breaks through the turmoil, Jermaine receives yet another debilitating blow that attempts to change his life forever. Will he be able to endure the trial that stretches his faith to the limit?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Moving into a new phase of life, Nia Thomas reveals a piece of her past for the sake of sanity … but is there something else she’s holding back? Racing against the hands of time, Nia comes to term with the fact that the whole truth must be told. Determined to break free from bondage, she must first learn how to forgive. Will Nia surrender all that she has for a future of peace or hold onto what’s old and familiar?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The final piece of the puzzle lies within the eleventh hour. But first, check out the previous titles in <em>The Fiery Furnace</em> series: <em>The Kiss of Judas</em> & <em>Confessions ... <a href="http://www.reneeallenmccoy.com/">http://www.reneeallenmccoy.com/</a></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;">________________________________________________ </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis </strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By Renarda Williams</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TbiHH3ueQcY/TXGQ5VLLJRI/AAAAAAAAAaE/Ognm5jnTv6Q/s1600/Wynton+M.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TbiHH3ueQcY/TXGQ5VLLJRI/AAAAAAAAAaE/Ognm5jnTv6Q/s200/Wynton+M.jpeg" width="132" /></a></div>The world-renowned <em>Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra</em> (JLCO) <em>with Wynton Marsalis</em> performs a vast repertoire to <em>Jazz at Lincoln Center</em> (JALC)-commissioned works, including compositions and arrangements by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie and others to audiences nationally and worldwide.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">JALC is dedicated to inspiring and growing audiences for jazz. JALC advances a unique vision for the continued development of the art of jazz by producing a year-round schedule of performances, education and broadcast events for audiences of all ages. The productions include concerts, national and international tours, television broadcasts, recordings, jazz appreciation curriculum for students, and adult education courses. Education is a major part of JALC's mission and its educational activities are coordinated with concert and JLCO tour programming. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In 1987, Wynton Marsalis co-founded a jazz program at Lincoln Center. Marsalis is the artistic director of JALC. He is also the music director of JLCO. He spends over a third of the year on tour with JLCO. One of this year's <em>Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis</em> tours was at the University of Central Arkansas's Reynolds Performance Hall in Conway, Arkansas. The orchestra performed to a sold out audience. They started off with <em>Inaki's Decision</em>, a song from their album <em>Vitoria Suite</em> (which featured <em>Paco De Lucia</em>), that was recorded in Spain. This amazing piece of music had an up-tempo beat, and the orchestra was in a rhythmical sequence. There was also an array of solos: from the trumpets, saxophones, clarinets, flute, bass, piano, and drums. Once the group finished, Marsalis jokingly told the audience, "We were so caught up in the moment [to the point] where we did not want to stop."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">JLCO played Ted Nash's Portrait in <em>Seven Shades</em> that began with trumpeter Marcus Printup's solo, and then there was Nash's solo. Afterwards, Printup used his trumpet sounds to chase Nash's saxophones sounds. They were so remarkable to the point where the audience did not know what Printup and Nash were playing. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Trumpeter Marsalis, trombonist Vincent Gardner, saxophonist/clarinetist Victor Goines, drummer Ali Jackson, pianist Dan Nimmer, and bassist Carlos Henriquez performed a piece entitled <em>Weary Blues</em>. The song was filled with a "taste of New Orleans." Gardner opened up with a low-up-tempo trombone solo; then, Goines played a soothing clarinet solo. Jackson's drumming and Nimmer's piano playing were outstanding. Marsalis played a "dynamic" trumpet solo that electrified the audience. At one point, during his solo, Marsalis was so energized in playing, to where he had to shake his head and smile to the audience. Out of all the songs JLCO played, there were two that highlighted the evening. And they were: <em>Itsi Bitsy Spider </em>and <em>Old McDonald Had a Farm</em>. It appeared as if the orchestra was telling the audience two "nursery rhyme" stories through jazz music.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've followed Marsalis' career since 1982, the debut of his first album, Wynton Marsalis, during my junior year at the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette, Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette). I interviewed Marsalis, via telephone, for the <em>Monroe Free Press</em> newspaper in Monroe, Louisiana in August 2000. Ever since then, through his assistant Genevieve Stewart, at Wynton Marsalis Enterprises in New York City, I've kept in contact with him. Before the UCA concert, the last time we met was in April 2002. He performed at ULL's Angelle Hall, where I worked during my freshman and sophomore years.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Marsalis, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana (just like JLCO member Victor Goines) began his classical training at age 12; and he soon began playing in local bands of diverse genres. He entered Julliard School at age 17 and joined Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. To date, Marsalis has recorded more than 70 jazz and classical albums, which have garnered him nine Grammy Awards. In 1983, he became the first and only artist to win both classical and jazz Grammy Awards in the same year. He repeated this feat in 1984. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Marsalis rich body of compositions includes <em>Sweet Release; Jazz: Six Syncopated Movements; Jump Start and Jazz; Citi Movement/Griot New York; At the Octoroon Balls</em> and <em>In House, On This Morning and Big Train. </em>In 1997, he became the first jazz artist to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize in music for his oratorio <em>Blood on the Fields</em> was commissioned by JALC. In 1999, Marsalis released eight new recordings in his unprecedented <em>Swinging into the 21st series</em>. He also premiered several new compositions, including the ballet <em>Them Twos</em>, for collaboration with the New York City Ballet. Also, he premiered the monumental work All Rise, commissioned and performed by the New York Philharmonic, along with the JLCO and the Morgan State University Choir. Sony Classical released <em>All Rise</em> on CD in 2002.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">To mark the 200th Anniversary of Harlem's historical Abyssinian Baptist Church in 2008, Marsalis composed a full mass for choir and jazz orchestra. The piece premiered at JALC and followed with performances at the celebrated church.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">* * *</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">__________________________________________________ </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></strong>n Closing,</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I thank God for those who use their musical talents for the good. At times, it helps me through work-outs and long distance travels. May God guide each of us in the use of the gifts He's afforded to us. We can all make a difference ... for the better.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In Jesus Name,</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">~Renee</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">To submit a testimony or an article for contribution, please email me at <a href="mailto:renee@reneeallenmccoy.com">renee@reneeallenmccoy.com</a>.</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-53449805307093233842011-02-02T18:03:00.001-05:002011-02-03T12:03:07.640-05:00We've Come This Far by Faith<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TUnJrlj_3JI/AAAAAAAAAZo/QJ96S0t4MkA/s1600/jim+crow+south.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TUnJrlj_3JI/AAAAAAAAAZo/QJ96S0t4MkA/s200/jim+crow+south.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not,</em>” Galatians 6:9.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></strong> can only imagine what it must’ve been like for my parents and grandparents growing up in the South. Picket signs, black and colored waiting rooms, and being ignored or pushed aside in a store after a white person enters. It was a different America then. Who would’ve ever thought (fifty years ago) black and white people would interact the way we do today? I know that in the minds of certain individuals that racist attitude still exists, but what an awesome God we serve for helping many to move beyond.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As we celebrate Black History Month, I commemorate those who have paved the way; making possible many of the conveniences we enjoy today. Many who lived in southern states (although other states may have been subject to the same racist treatment) have endured a lengthened amount of degradation by the implementation of Jim Crow: the racial caste system which operated primarily between 1877 and the mid-1960s. Deemed more than merely a set of strict anti-Black laws, it was a way of life for many. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In this issue, contributing writer Renarda Williams shares an insightful interview conducted with Pulitzer Prize winner, Isabel Wilkerson, author of <em>The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration</em>. In this interview, Wilkerson speaks candidly about those who fled the South in order to make a better life for themselves, breaking away from the caste system designed to hold an entire race back. </div><strong></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>_____________________________________________ </strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TUncBEgoYNI/AAAAAAAAAZs/_cNkrBdNatk/s1600/TheWarmthofOtherSuns%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TUncBEgoYNI/AAAAAAAAAZs/_cNkrBdNatk/s200/TheWarmthofOtherSuns%255B1%255D.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><strong>African American Migration chronicled in "The Warmth Of Other Suns"</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By Renarda Williams </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The migration by African Americans from the Jim Crow South to the North and West -- from World War I through the 1970s -- is told through the stories of three people during that period. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pulitzer Prize journalist Isabel Wilkerson chronicled one of the greatest events in African American and American history with her "remarkable" and "magnificent" book, <em>The Warmth Of Other Suns: The Epic Story Of America's Great Migration</em> (Random House, September 7, 2010).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Wilkerson conducted over 15 years of writing, research, drawing on archival materials, and interviewed 1,200 people for <em>The Warmth Of Other Suns</em> -- one of the most important blueprints of African American and American history. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Wilkerson wrote about the one of the most underreported stories of the twentieth century in this country. She focuses on the lives of Ida Mae Gladney, George Sterling, and Robert Foster. They were among the African Americans who defected away from the horrors of Jim Crow South to seek a better life in the North and West. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Empowerment Initiative Online Newsletter interviewed Wilkerson via telephone about her book, and how it will impact Black America and America.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>TEION</strong>: How important the Great Migration was for African Americans who left Jim South in shaping the scope of urban America?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TUngtj3aKaI/AAAAAAAAAZw/wDgERwJd8hs/s1600/IsabelWilkerson.PhotoCreditJoeHenson%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TUngtj3aKaI/AAAAAAAAAZw/wDgERwJd8hs/s200/IsabelWilkerson.PhotoCreditJoeHenson%255B1%255D.jpg" width="137" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isabel Wilkerson<br />
Photo Credit-Joe Henson</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #4c1130;"><strong>WILKERSON</strong></span>: The Great Migration was more like a defection from a caste system known as the Jim Crow South -- into the urban North and West, to cities like Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. The majority of African-Americans now living in the North and West are descended from people who were part of this great outpouring of people who defected from Jim Crow.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before the Great Migration, 90% of African Americans lived in the South. By the end of the Great Migration, nearly half were living outside the South -- in the North, the Midwest and the West. It was no accident. They were on a mission. They had foresight, a vision and a dream to flee the 'caste system' of Jim Crow that [oppressed them]. The outpouring was not a haphazard unfurling of lost souls, but an orderly migration that flowed along the railroad lines and bus routes between certain southern states and certain receiving cities. People followed these routes to the North and West.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>TEION</strong>: What disadvantages did African Americans encounter once they left the South?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #4c1130;">WILKERSON</span></strong>: Well, a question that could be asked is why did they leave? They left because the caste system dictated their every move. It exposed them to everyday indignities and was violently enforced in the form of lynching. What happened to Claude Neal in Florida, whom few Americans have heard of, was an extreme example of the kind of mob violence that surrounded them. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the decades leading up to and immediately following the start of the Great Migration, a lynching occurred every four days somewhere in the South. There were reminders everywhere that there was a caste system. Blacks and whites could not play checkers together in Birmingham, Alabama, for instance. And in courthouses throughout the South, there was a Black bible and a white bible to swear to tell the truth on. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But they faced many challenges in the North and West in the places they fled to. Many unions would not accept them. Blacks were brought in as strike breakers. Many neighborhoods were off-limits to Blacks. Restrictive covenants prevented whites who might have been willing to sell to blacks to do so and many Blacks faced violence and fire bombings when they did try to move into white neighborhoods.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even though Blacks met hostility in the North, most of them considered conditions in the North to be better than what they left in the South. They did whatever it took to fit into their new worlds. Some African Americans changed their names, changed their accents. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Great Migration did not end until the conditions in the South began finally to change. And that took longer than might have been expected. The Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968 were resisted by most Southern states until the 1970s. One county in Virginia closed the school system because they did not want to desegregate schools. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>TEION</strong>: Out of all the Southern states African Americans left, what state had the most leave the South?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #4c1130;">WILKERSON</span></strong>: Mississippi had the biggest percentage of African Americans [who] defected to the North ... and most of them moved to Chicago. There are now more African Americans living in the city of Chicago than in the entire state of Mississippi.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>TEION</strong>: Did the stories of Ida Mae Gladney, George Startling, and Robert Foster make you understand their importance in making an impact in African American and American history?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #4c1130;">WILKERSON</span></strong>: Yes! The African American defection was made by individual people. There were no leaders like Moses, Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King ... to lead them out of the South. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Booker T. Washington did not want Blacks to leave the South. He wanted them to remain in the South until things got better. Many black ministers encouraged their flocks to stay in the South. But those who defected to the North did not look to their leaders to save them. They took matters into their own hands and made the decision to leave. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>TEION</strong>: Do you want your book to reach young African Americans whose parents, grand parents, uncles, and cousins who defected to the North and West, so they can learn about their roots?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #4c1130;">WILKERSON</span></strong>: Parents who defected from the South cannot make their children read about Black history and the Black defection. They need to let their children read about Black history ... whenever they are ready. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Every African American needs to know about the Black defection. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Most of us owe our existence in the North and West to someone who made the hard decision to leave the southern caste system for something better. Yet, it’s something most Blacks take for granted. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If it were not for those who left the South, there would not be a Motown. Berry Gordy's parents came from Georgia. Diana Ross and The Jacksons were children of parents from the South. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Music in general, especially Jazz, would not be where it is today. Miles Davis’s parents left Arkansas for Illinois. John Coltrane migrated from North Carolina to Philadelphia where he got his first alto sax. It’s hard to imagine what American music would be and much of American culture had there been no Great Migration.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Isabel Wilkerson won the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing for her work as Chicago Bureau Chief of The New York Times. She was the first African American woman in the history of American journalism to win a Pulitzer Prize; and the first African American to win for individual reporting.</em> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Wilkerson also won a George Polk Award and a John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship for her research into the Great Migration. </em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><br />
</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>She has lectured on narrative at the Nieman Foundation at Harvard University and has served as Ferris Professor of Journalism at Princeton University; and as the James M. Cox Jr. Professor of Journalism at Emory University. She is currently Professor of Journalism and Director of Narrative Nonfiction at Boston University. </em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><br />
</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>During the Great Migration, her parents journeyed from Georgia and southern Virginia to Washington, D.C., where she was born and reared.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;">_______________________________________________ </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></strong>n Closing,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I thank God for those who helped in paving the way for many conveniences afforded to African Americans today. As that "racial caste system" still exists in the minds of many, we must continue to still move forward ... in faith that things will continue to get better.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In Jesus Name,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">~Renee</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To submit a testimony or an article for contribution, please email me at <a href="mailto:renee@reneeallenmccoy.com"><span style="color: #660000;">renee@reneeallenmccoy.com</span></a> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-69979426298798786292011-01-04T15:58:00.005-05:002011-01-04T16:23:17.201-05:00In This New Year...<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TSOIxke6R_I/AAAAAAAAAZk/sHsoJhqVcaM/s1600/2011.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TSOIxke6R_I/AAAAAAAAAZk/sHsoJhqVcaM/s200/2011.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><strong><span style="font-size: large;">M</span></strong>any promises are made with each new year. Some resolve to lose weight, be more proactive in pursuing their goals, or developing and engaging in healthier relationships. All of these things are good … as they are rooted in God. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our decision to live a better life is achievable, but we must be focused and determined to work toward those goals. My goal, rather prayer, is to develop a closer relationship with God. At the end of each year, I try to look back on what I’ve learned versus beating myself up over what I cannot change. I take the lessons taught in the previous year and apply the knowledge obtained in the next. Knowing what to do is good, but what good is it if that information is never applied?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In this first issue of the year, I implore each person to examine themselves. Not a vain introspection of how much money one can make or what model of vehicle one can drive, rather those things that aren’t tangible. “<em>Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal</em>,” Matthew 6:19-20.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When we lay the foundation with God, whatever we build upon Him is prosperous. Be careful to note that this success is not what the world may deem successful, but rather what God says is. He knows what we want, more importantly, what we need. “<em>Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart</em>,” Psalm 37:4. What an encouraging Word from God. He sums it up simply in Matthew 6:33 with “<em>Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these other things will be added unto you</em>.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The key is having faith in God; trusting Him at His word: His Holy Word. Faith must be activated. As evidenced in the following article by Renarda Williams, Stanice Anderson displays her strength as a woman walking on water. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Stanice Anderson is Walking on Water with Faith in God</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By Renarda Williams</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">E</span></strong>veryone has had their share of trials and tribulations in life. Having a foundation and faith in God always can help overcome obstacles such as depression, unemployment, and homelessness.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Inspirational speaker, author and performance artist Stanice Anderson, fully understands the problems people confront on a daily basis. She overcame heroin addiction, abusive relationships, rape, low self-esteem and a near death experience to rise and share her testimony to strengthen others. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TSN79f4vfdI/AAAAAAAAAZc/Ee76NZ6dXi4/s1600/Stanice+Anderson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TSN79f4vfdI/AAAAAAAAAZc/Ee76NZ6dXi4/s200/Stanice+Anderson.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <br />
Stanice Anderson</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I first met this Washington, DC native in 2003 when I interviewed her for my printed newsletter—<em>The Empowerment Initiative</em> (now an online newsletter) in Monroe, Louisiana—about her first book <em>I Say A Prayer For Me</em>. But I ended up submitting the interview to Straight Up Newsletter. I was inspired by her spiritual and uplifting book. During that time, I faced several ordeals in my life and Anderson's book played a major role in helping me overcoming them. I, in turn, developed a good friendship with her.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anderson's new book, <em>Walking On Water When the Ground Ain't Enuf</em> (Shout Glory, LLC, Washington, D.C., 2010) takes over where her last book left off. Anderson encourages, energizes, and empowers readers with her words of wisdom, delivered to her from God, with testimonies about her life described as "walking on water" with faith and belief in God to overcome obstacles. Some of Anderson's stories are humorous, but they also focus on the harsh reality of dealing with issues.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Recently, I interviewed Anderson via telephone about <em>Walking On Water</em>, and its significance in delivering a powerful spiritual message.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RW</strong>: <em>I Say A Prayer for Me</em> was a powerful, inspirational, and spiritual book. So what type of message are you delivering in <em>Walking on Water</em>?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TSOEqDEMO_I/AAAAAAAAAZg/7IqsIJ-Hog0/s1600/Stanice+Anderson%2527s+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TSOEqDEMO_I/AAAAAAAAAZg/7IqsIJ-Hog0/s200/Stanice+Anderson%2527s+book.jpg" width="129" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Published by <br />
Shout Glory, LLC</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">SA</span></strong>: The message is a testimony of the love, power and grace of God. We are not alone ... we have to trust in Him because He is always there! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The book's message also states that whenever you are in the midst of crisis ... God will always be there to lift you up.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I share my story with others to show them how God has brought me a mighty long way throughout my life. I faced unemployment, double knee surgery ... [but] God boosted me in spirit. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">God gave me a way to express myself through this book to help people. Bring togetherness [and a connection] with people. I still have relationships with readers of I<em> Say A Prayer For Me</em>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My book will encourage people to never give up; mainly, because God will never give up on you.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My son (Mike Tucker) thought it was best to publish <em>Walk On Water</em> during the holidays because of what people face at that time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RW</strong>: How important is this book toward addressing the trials and tribulations that people are confronted with today?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>SA</strong></span>: It is major. You need to exercise your faith. Faith is like a muscle; you use it to go to God and ask how to deal with your circumstances.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Trials and tribulations are like secrets. You cannot hide them; you need to hit them head on! Get real! You do not need to be isolated and focus on the past because it will hold you back.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I use "Spokentry"—a combination of spoken word and poetry—to talk about my trials and tribulations. People need to have "Water-Walking Gatherings and Write Shops." We need interconnections. Life is a war. God has given me an international ministry. I have readers in Kansas City, Missouri to Paris, France. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">For example, one woman almost committed suicide until she saw the cover of <em>I Say A Prayer For Me</em> and was moved. Her mother gave her the book and it literally changed her life. That’s God’s hand. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I faced my latest ordeals it caused me to write <em>Walk On Water</em>. When I look at my own story, I look at what God has brought me through ... God must have more for me to do. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RW</strong>: You have some amazing testimonies in this book. Are they geared more toward leading more people to trust and believe in God during these tough times? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">SA</span></strong>: Yes. God gave me the title “Walking on Water” in 2006. I did not want to write it, but my son said, “I am going to promote you ... I am going to put something together.” We put together a one-woman show Walking On Water at a night club in DC in ’07 and over 250 people attended. I told different stories, sang and did spokentry. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I continued to write stories and a book began to take form. The cover for the book came from a woman in California. She drew a picture of a woman on the water. My son asked recording artist Raheem DeVaughn’s personal painter Demont "Peekaso" Pinder to paint me on the water. Next Mike pulled together picture and painting to create the awesome cover of Walking On Water. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My 6 year-old granddaughter, Michal Zoe Tucker, helped me with the interior book design. She is writing a book about her loose tooth, "The Tooth is Loose."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RW</strong>: Do you think your book will make people feel you are telling their story?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">SA</span></strong>: Yes, I am writing from their perspectives. My book is like a ministry. I love to see the light come on when people read the book. I also want to make them laugh.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RW</strong>: Out of all the things you accomplished, what other goals do you have for the next year?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">SA</span></strong>: I want to lecture, conduct “write shops” and do more Spokentry. I also want to teach, especially about the writing process; and how to write a book and get it published. I want to put <em>Walking On Water</em> in E-book form by February 2011 and do a second printing of <em>I Say A Prayer For Me</em>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"># # #</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To find out more about Stanice Anderson and to read a free first chapter, please visit <a href="http://www.trywalkingonwater.com/">http://www.trywalkingonwater.com/</a><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></strong>n Closing,<br />
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It is my prayer that in this new year, God blesses us with more of Him.<br />
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In Jesus Name,<br />
~Renee<br />
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To submit a testimony or an article for contribution, please email me at <a href="mailto:renee@reneeallenmccoy.com"><span style="color: #660000;">renee@reneeallenmccoy.com</span></a> <br />
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<strong>Scriptures used in this article are from NKJV (New King James Version)</strong></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-33053931157597666512010-12-22T18:33:00.004-05:002012-12-03T00:27:36.844-05:00Jesus Christ ... Savior<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TRKIoIUbpAI/AAAAAAAAAZU/210RBOyaEb0/s1600/christian-cross_1002_1024x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TRKIoIUbpAI/AAAAAAAAAZU/210RBOyaEb0/s200/christian-cross_1002_1024x768.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Merry Christmas everyone... Over the years, I've seen (even used it in the past not realizing what I was doing) the words Merry Xmas. In recent years, it didn't seem like a simple abbreviation, but a deletion of my Savior. Interestingly, take note of Who the <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">"</span>X" replaces ... "Christ." We cannot take Christ out of the equation, if and when many do, this changes the entire meaning—well, it makes it meaningless. Some stores peddle off holiday cards that show a merry Santa Claus giving gifts to little children, dismissing the greatest gift God gave to us. What does Christmas mean to the average American?</div>
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Many argue that it has paganistic roots while others take advantage of this day to siphon money from unsuspecting Christians. It is obviously clear that the motive behind celebrating this day may vary depending upon who you ask. For me and my family, Christmas is not centered on gift-giving; it is centered on Christ. We give of our time, our efforts, and our love. We often laugh, recalling that it’s not our birthday that we’re celebrating, but Christ’s. We do share a token of appreciation with one another whether it is a card, a phone call, or something that we may need or can afford to give, but that is also practiced all year round, not just because the country has deemed December 25th a national holiday.</div>
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Also, it is important to not go into debt trying to impress someone with a present that you can’t even afford. How is that a gift? It may leave you feeling empty and the other person guilty because of the amount of money spent. Consider the hungry, the homeless, and the imprisoned. </div>
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“<em>Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me</em>,’” Matthew 25:34-40, NKJV.</div>
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In the bustle of storewide sales and preparing dinners fit for kings, let us not forget about the King of kings and Lord of lords, <strong>Jesus Christ</strong>. He didn’t forget about us. </div>
Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-41882659007883203682010-11-23T12:32:00.006-05:002010-11-27T22:23:51.602-05:00With ThanksGiving<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TOv6NL0v4BI/AAAAAAAAAY0/3DyZUpoRnZo/s1600/thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TOv6NL0v4BI/AAAAAAAAAY0/3DyZUpoRnZo/s1600/thanksgiving.jpg" /></a></div><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ,” Colossians 2:6-8, KJV.</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Many thanks to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for without Him, I am nothing. He made it possible for me to be reconciled to the Father. It is in His love where we learn how to love and appreciate what He has done (and is doing) for us. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As we steadily approach the U.S. holiday known as Thanksgiving, I'm reminded that this is something we ought to do everyday, not just once a year. As Christians, thanksgiving rings within our hearts. We all may not have the opportunity to gather around a large table overflowing with food everyday, sharing it with family and friends we usually see only a few times out of the year, but we are thankful for the many phone conversations and laughter that comforts us until we do meet again face to face.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I thank God for all of His many blessings and pray that as you gather (if you have the opportunity to do so) with family and friends, remember to pray for those who are less fortunate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In this issue, I offer Book 2 of <em>The Fiery Furnace</em> series: <em>Confessions</em>. If you haven't already read <em>The Kiss of Judas </em>(Book 1), take a moment to read some of the recent reviews on </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Judas-Fiery-Furnace/dp/1934195553/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1286553007&sr=8-1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Amazon here</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. It's been deemed by many a "must read." Also, I wanted to let you all know (as I have been contacted about purchases as Christmas gifts), that currently the discounted price for <em>The Kiss of Judas</em> (on my </span><a href="http://www.reneeallenmccoy.com/about-books.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">personal site</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> autographed w/ free shipping) is $11.99 while supplies last. The covers are changing, but the story is still the same.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I appreciate the love and support and please, if there is anything that I can do to support another ministry, don't hesitate to let me know. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Reading</span></em>!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">___________________________________________________ </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>Confessions</em></strong>: A Fiery Furnace Novel (Book #2)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>ISBN</strong>: 978-1-934195-54-3</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TOtG0tkvBnI/AAAAAAAAAYw/yb2J8HVGtgQ/s1600/Confessions2%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TOtG0tkvBnI/AAAAAAAAAYw/yb2J8HVGtgQ/s320/Confessions2%255B1%255D.jpg" width="205" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Covering up a sin won’t make it go away...</span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The driven Jermaine Grant appears to have it all together on the surface. He's young, handsome, and headstrong with the perfect job and faithful love planted at his side—so it seems. What happens when all of this is threatened by a looming incident from the past? In the midst of chaos, Jermaine unexpectedly finds himself battling a demon that seems to be the fiercest of them all.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Jermaine's number one counterpart, Nia Thomas, strives to be just as successful at her career as her determined boyfriend of two years. She skillfully juggles a double life while struggling to keep her carefully designed mask from shattering to pieces. Nia's private world is threatened despite her attempts to conceal a secret that could change her family's future forever. A heartbreaking disclosure spiral lives into a startling off course collision.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What happens when confessions are revealed without consent? Whoever thought telling a lie would hurt so much?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This book can be pre-ordered on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, or my </span><a href="http://www.reneeallenmccoy.com/about-books.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">personal website</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. It releases soon!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"># # #</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-40067863217082491242010-10-04T12:22:00.013-04:002010-10-04T12:48:49.636-04:00Faith, Hope, & Love: Breast Cancer Awareness Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TKn7hrtI0KI/AAAAAAAAAYk/ykhipTAfKsk/s1600/pink+ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TKn7hrtI0KI/AAAAAAAAAYk/ykhipTAfKsk/s1600/pink+ribbon.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“<em>And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love</em>,” 1 Corinthians 13:13, NKJV. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">T</span></strong>he greatest is love. In my previous position, I worked as a research coordinator at an oncology clinic. I was able to see first hand the effects of not only breast cancer, but various types of this disease. It can be challenging, depressing, and heart wrenching for those involved, both victims and family members. What can someone say to alleviate the pain? The only thing I can think of at this moment is … God loves you. This is an effective way to not only encourage, but to minister to as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As tough as it has been to become friends with those patients who are no longer on Earth, I had to realize that God knows best. Some may question why God didn’t heal, but we must try to understand that His ways are not our ways and that His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8). And He does not make mistakes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month (also referred to as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM)) is an annual health campaign organized to raise funds for research, including cure and prevention. The campaign’s purpose is also to remind women to be breast aware for earlier detection. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">NBCAM presents an opportunity for many to participate in raising money to fund research. I’ve seen firsthand how costly studies can be, however it is important to improve treatment options for patients. The links below present a couple of easy ways you can contribute without even leaving the comfort of your own home:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://ww5.komen.org/Donate/DonateOnline.html">http://ww5.komen.org/Donate/DonateOnline.html</a> (Susan G Koman)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.cupsofhope.com/">http://www.cupsofhope.com/</a> (Dannon Activia)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In addition to those sites, many across the nation have adopted Pink days. This is during the month of October where people raise money by coordinating a variety of activities. Pink day is when employees wear the color pink (either clothing or accessories) to work and donations are made. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is just one way to show love, so let us make an effort. You never know, the next time you hear about breast cancer, it could be someone in your own home. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Consider some of the many survivor stories</strong>:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://breastcancer.about.com/od/truesurvivors/tp/diane_b_krasnick_survivor.htm">Diane Becker Krasnick – Breast Cancer Survivor</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://breastcancer.about.com/od/truesurvivors/a/diane-foresee.htm">Diane Foresee, Two-Time Breast Cancer Survivor</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://breastcancer.about.com/od/truesurvivors/a/Jane-Gillespie-Breast-Cancer-Survivor.htm">Jane Gillespie - Overcomer and Breast Cancer Survivor</a> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://breastcancer.about.com/od/truesurvivors/a/debbie-stallings-survivor.htm">Debbie Stallings - Breast Cancer Survivor</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://breastcancer.about.com/od/truesurvivors/a/robin_gray.htm">Robin M. Gray RN, Breast Cancer Survivor</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"># # #</div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-75157058727952015662010-09-01T23:51:00.008-04:002010-09-02T12:26:12.318-04:00After the Rain<div align="justify"></div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TH8YC9IbCEI/AAAAAAAAAXg/d226EcHvLEg/s1600/rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TH8YC9IbCEI/AAAAAAAAAXg/d226EcHvLEg/s320/rainbow.jpg" /></a></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><em>“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning,” Psalm 30:5, NKJV</em>.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">T</span></strong>his scripture has a particularly moving meaning for me today. Years ago, death was all around me. If it wasn’t a grandparent, it was an uncle or some other family member. As somber the thought, death is a part of the cycle we call life here on Earth. In Genesis 23, a chapter in the Bible that speaks on death, it’s important to understand that grieving is healthy in moving beyond the loss. </div><div align="justify" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="justify" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In this issue, I interview an author whose debut novel explores the life of a grief-stricken individual who rises above adversity. Jennifer L. Dean, author of <em>My Rising Up</em>, gives an inside look on why she writes what she writes and how a fictional story can help those experiencing similar situations in real life; shedding light in the midst of darkness.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">Later, it is a pleasure to have Renarda Williams, freelance writer and columnist, discuss his true life story of overcoming various trials, issues, and situations in his life. Over the years that I’ve known him, Renarda has kept a positive attitude in moving beyond death, trials, hardships, and tribulations on to restoration. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">Both Jennifer L. Dean and Renarda Williams drive home the fact that God is indeed with us. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">_______________________________________________ </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"> <strong>~Introducing Christian author, Jennifer L. Dean~</strong></div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TH8au0zCOmI/AAAAAAAAAXw/MtfCyYBsVkQ/s1600/jenpix%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TH8au0zCOmI/AAAAAAAAAXw/MtfCyYBsVkQ/s200/jenpix%5B1%5D.JPG" width="198" /></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;">J</span></strong>ennifer L. Dean, author of <em>My Rising Up,</em> enters the literary scene with a powerful story that not only explores hardships that may occur in life, but also the overcoming power of God. As the story opens, the reader is immediately pulled into the life of Brendan Maxwell--a young man who encounters death from an early age. This sets the tone of a seemingly troubled journey that rocks his world into adulthood. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">I found this novel an interesting and enjoyable read. Situations and circumstances in the book reminded me of what it was like to live a college life, but more importantly, how it should be done with God as the head in every area. As the story was drawing to a close, I found myself flipping the pages even faster to get to the end! </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">This story is definitely one where I can relate. I think it is very important that stories like this one are told because so many lose hope in the One who gives hope. It is apparent that this author has an intimate relationship with the Lord because it shows in her writing ... and I appreciate that above all else. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><em>My Rising Up</em> is a wonderfully crafted faith-based read that adults of any age group would appreciate. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><strong><em>The interview, in her words...</em></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong><em></em><br />
</strong><strong>SUN</strong>: Please tell us a little bit about yourself. <br />
<div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><span style="color: #20124d;"><strong>JLD</strong></span>: I am the fifth of six children born in rural Mississippi to two blessed and hard-working parents. Living a fairly normal life, I graduated second in my high school class and went on to pursue a degree with honors in Medical Technology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Currently, I reside in Birmingham, Alabama, but will probably always consider myself a true Mississippi girl at heart.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><strong>SUN</strong>: How long have you been writing?</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><strong><span style="color: #20124d;">JLD</span></strong>: Though I entered the workforce as a clinical scientist, I have been writing for as long as I can remember. I was one of those students who actually enjoyed English composition, Literature and creative writing classes—an oddball, I’m sure. Even outside of class, I found myself writing. I wrote several short stories when I was younger—mostly for my own entertainment—and managed to win first place in an essay contest as a high school freshman on the topic of What Makes America So Great. I was also blessed to see one of my poems, Serenity, published in 2000 by the Famous Poets Society. It did not occur to me, however, to write novels on a professional level until almost three years ago. But when the idea began to bud, so did the excitement. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><strong>SUN</strong>: Tell us a little bit about <em>My Rising Up</em> and what prompted you to pen it? What was the process like?</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><strong><span style="color: #20124d;">JLD</span></strong>: <em>My Rising Up</em> is a novel that portrays the life of a young man named Brendan Maxwell who, after a period of estrangement from the Lord when grief, disappointment and pain drives him away to the streets, is now centered in the Lord’s will for his life as an older, mature adult. He’s back in college and church, back connected with his family, and working hard on his job. Mainly, Brendan learns to rise from the ashes of the past and present trials and move forward with the aid of God’s power inside him as he faces daily realities of life: love/relationships, family changes, judgments from others, etc. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">This novel has several themes resonating throughout its pages:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">1) trying to maintain mental stability in a stress-filled life</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">2) learning to trust God again after tragedy (or any situation that leaves doubt in God)</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">3) finding restoration of a broken heart after a failed relationship</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">4) discovering one’s spiritual gift</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">5) the reality of miracles</div></div><div align="justify" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TH8dmGohPeI/AAAAAAAAAYA/yy7oL6Fn_oA/s1600/MRUcover%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6a6jYxzrkOE/TH8dmGohPeI/AAAAAAAAAYA/yy7oL6Fn_oA/s320/MRUcover%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a>I would have to say that one of the stronger themes in <em>My Rising Up</em> is finding comfort and the ability to live again after the loss of a loved one. As a health care worker in the medical field, as well as in the experiences I’ve had with the loss of friends and family, I have seen the effects of death, the damage and despair it causes. Even while publishing this novel, my own grandmother passed away suddenly. It was totally unexpected and shocked the whole family. <br />
<br />
</div></div><div align="justify"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Death, regardless of whatever form it takes to steal a life, is a subject that needs to be addressed with the wisdom and understanding of God’s perception, as I believe that He wants His people to trust that there is a bigger side to death than what usually transpires here on earth. And the process of writing this novel was really just a creative way of portraying the enlightenment I’ve received over time in my own quest to understand the effects of death. </div></div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">In essence, <em>My Rising Up</em> has many messages, and my hope is that its overall impression will prompt readers to take away whatever message benefits them. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><strong>SUN</strong>: What is your motivation for writing? Who do you think your audience is, if any specific group?</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><span style="color: #20124d;"><strong>JLD</strong></span>: My motivation for writing is simply the God-given drive I was born with to do it. Now, I’m not always in the mood to write, but that inner desire to write never leaves. Initially, my audience is myself and God, as I write what flows out of what we have communed about or simply what He shows me, using my fingers as His pen. Eventually, the process of creativity develops into a form that can be appreciated by an audience of various ethnicity and age groups, male or female. But always, at the end of the day, when I look at my work, I ask myself, Will the Lord be a fan of what I’ve written? For me, it always goes back to what will please Him. As an author Himself, God understands the need to portray reality creatively, yet still be responsible to exemplify the righteousness for which He stands. I try hard to follow His example.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><strong>SUN</strong>: Do you consider writing as another occupation or a passion?</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><span style="color: #20124d;"><strong>JLD</strong></span>: I consider my writing both an occupation and a passion. It is a job in a sense that it takes dedication, hard work, discipline and time to bring forth into fruition that which is in the creative recesses of one’s mind. But it is also a passion, as it does take that burning inner desire to sustain the process of molding myself into the best writer I can be. Writing, for me, involves a certain level of vulnerability, and to be passionate about what I write is a must-have in order to birth an honest reflection of what I want to represent. If the passion for one’s writing is not behind the words they write, most of the time the reader can pick up on it. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><strong>SUN</strong>: Do you see yourself writing years from now, if so, what other projects would you like to see come to fruition?</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><strong><span style="color: #20124d;">JLD</span></strong>: I do have a vision to write years from now, as I believe that what God births in you to do is a lifelong process of cultivating, learning and nourishing that gift. I have not ruled out any projects that might come to fruition as a result of utilizing the gift of writing, and with that perception, I constantly work on ideas that I believe are from the Lord that will come to light in the future. Whatever opportunities He brings my way, whether it be more book ideas, screenplays, poems, etc, I’m willing to take on the challenge!</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><strong>SUN</strong>: Being a writer, what do you like to read?</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><strong><span style="color: #20124d;">JLD</span></strong>: I am an avid reader! It is probably my most favorite pastime; I can smoothly juggle reading several books at the same time. (Is that a talent?) Usually I choose works that are geared to educate and inspire. I like to read self-help books, biographies and autobiographies, as most of them are testimonies to what a person has triumphed over and learned from during life’s struggles, as well as books about America’s history, specifically historical accounts of African and Native Americans. Mostly, though, I read Christian fiction by authors who, I believe, write about the realities of life’s experiences with not only a measure of entertainment, but most importantly, with a standard of Christian responsibility and ethics.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><strong>SUN</strong>: If you could sum your life up in one sentence, what would you say?</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><strong><span style="color: #20124d;">JLD</span></strong>: I was born for a purpose, and regardless of the ups or downs I encounter as I carry out my mission, my destiny belongs to Christ.</div><div align="justify"></div><div style="text-align: center;">~ ~ ~</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div align="justify">To find out more information about this budding author whose sophomore novel will be released next year, please visit her online:</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><strong>Websites</strong>: <a href="http://www.jldeanauthor.com/">http://www.jldeanauthor.com/</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Rising-Up-Jennifer-Dean/dp/1935245104/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1282269431&sr=1-1">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=362473317690">My Rising Up Facebook group</a>, and other online retail stores. </div><div align="justify">__________________________________________________ </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><strong>Life Changes as We Grow Older</strong></div><div align="justify">By Renarda Williams </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">In July I, along with my wife Helaine recently visited my mother Mrs. Audrey F. Williams, in Lafayette, La. During that visit I also visited with dear friends from my old college days at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette). </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">While in Lafayette I reflected on how I, at 49, have changed. I wondered how my limited finances and hectic work schedule would ever allow me regular visits to my mother; older brother Darren in Houston, TX; other family members in Alexandria and Baton Rouge, La., and Houston; and additional friends in Louisiana and across the country. I also noticed how my loved ones' lives have changed ... and realized how difficult it is for us all to have stable lives. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">Generally, people plan their lives during their teenage and young-adult years, and hope that everything will work out. But as we know, life does not always go as planned. I'd planned to become a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force. That plan was first laid during my childhood. I prepared for this career as an Air Force Reserved Officers Training Corps cadet in both high school and college. But such a career was not to be. God led me where He needed me ... back home to my old south-side neighborhood, the "Sonia Quarters," a predominately black lower income area in Alexandria, La. There, I served as a substitute teacher, staff writer/columnist for two black newspapers, and social worker at the Boys and Girls Club of Alexandria. I was a Big Brother/mentor and active in my church as a Sunday school teacher and public relations director. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">After five years, God led me to Monroe, La., where I was a columnist/reporter for a black weekly newspaper. (That was my official title; actually, I was more like an advocate for Monroe’s black communities.) In addition, I worked as a part-time caseworker for two juvenile diversion programs under the Ouachita Parish District Attorney's Office, and was a mentor for the office's Big Brother/Big Sister program. I went on to begin my own mentorship for youth and young adults. Also, I volunteered for a non-profit grassroots spiritual organization in Monroe that worked with the homeless. I also became a lobbyist for non-profit national children's, social, and African non-profit organizations. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">Three years after I attended the Million Man March, I founded The Umoja Network (TUN) -- a nationwide information network that provides writing services ... magazine articles, editing and ghostwriting services for authors, speeches, press releases and the like. I also provided a free monthly printed newsletter, The Empowerment Initiative, which today is an online newsletter.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">In July of 2003, God led me to a wonderful Black queen, Helaine Palmer Freeman from Little Rock. I relocated to Little Rock in Sept. 2004, and we were married on May 7, 2005. I continued with The Umoja Network. I, along with Helaine, volunteered as public relations/communications directors with the African Women's Health Project International (AWHPI), a nonprofit African organization in Little Rock. In February 2006, we traveled to Lagos, Nigeria with AWHPI’s founder, Princess Deun Ogunlana, on a medical mission.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">I continued to lobby for national children's and social organizations. Helaine and I also volunteered with Sandra Wilson for her former organization, the Arkansas Housing Support Network. We now volunteer for the Arkansas Homeless Coalition, also founded by Wilson.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">Throughout my years in Lafayette, Alexandria and Monroe, I faced a series of trials and tribulations, including job layoffs and and deaths of family members and dear friends. I’ve experienced even tougher trials and tribulations in Little Rock. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">At 49, it’s hard for me to understanding why God has not YET allowed me to have a comfortable and stable life -- especially from a financial standpoint -- to provide more for Helaine, my mother, family members, friends, and those who are unfortunate in America and worldwide. But when I'm down, God taps me on the shoulder and makes me realize that it's about His will, not ours.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">God often allows us to prepare for one thing so that He can take what we've learned and move us into what He really wants us to do: improve our world as much as we can, from a spiritual, educational, economical, political, and social standpoint. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">And then I realize … my plans didn't go awry after all.<br />
</div><div align="justify">__________________________________________________ </div><div align="justify"><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></strong>n Closing,</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">I'd like to thank both Jennifer and Renarda for their wonderful contributions and insight. Although a little rain may fall in our lifetime, that doesn't mean that the sun won't ever shine again. As we keep our hope and focus on the Lord, He'll bless us with that peace that surpasses all understanding. </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">“<em>Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee</em>,” Isaiah 26:3, KJV.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"># # #</div><div align="justify"></div></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964214292786906193.post-36938180954278202952010-08-02T00:21:00.008-04:002011-03-28T15:56:58.493-04:00The Kiss of Judas: A Fiery Furnace Novel <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IvU2dEUjTI/TZDmAUZVDaI/AAAAAAAAAaM/a6KGSyb2mro/s1600/The+Kiss+of+Judas%255B2011%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IvU2dEUjTI/TZDmAUZVDaI/AAAAAAAAAaM/a6KGSyb2mro/s200/The+Kiss+of+Judas%255B2011%255D.jpg" width="125" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>New cover as</strong><strong> of</strong><br />
<strong> January 2011</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></strong>n this issue, I hope you would join in with me as I celebrate the release of my newly revised novel, <em>The Kiss of Judas</em>, delivering a strong message to all ages. It has been deemed insightful, suspenseful, intriguing, and fast-paced. It has also been reported that the shocking ending is worth the reading experience. Order an <a href="http://www.reneeallenmccoy.com/about-books.html">autographed copy</a> today and find out for yourself.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As I ponder on my past and how much has transpired since the first edition release, I thank God for just being God. The blessings are too numerous to name them all, but I will express that I truly love Him. What an awesome God we serve!</div><br />
In my recent move to another state, the Lord covered my family and kept us safe. Over the past few weeks I've stood (and is still standing) on Isaiah 54:17, “<em>No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD</em>.” It's amazing the fiery darts that the enemy will hurl, but as stated in Ephesians 6:16, with the shield of faith Christians are able to quench all of the fiery darts of the wicked. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Below, you can get an inside look at this first novel in a series of three and view the book trailer. I hope you enjoy…</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Happy Reading!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
_________________________________________________ </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Kiss of Judas</strong> (August 2010)</div><strong>ISBN</strong>: 978-1-934195-55-0<br />
<br />
<em>The storm of betrayal is brewing...</em><br />
<br />
Justine Dasant walks the earth in search of something that always seems to be just out of reach. After she's promised herself that she would leave her past in the past, history starts to repeat when her current boyfriend, Isaiah Johnson, shows interest in someone other than her. Justine makes it known that she'll stop at nothing to get what she wants...no matter who gets hurt along the way.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Isaiah Johnson, a young, successful CEO, has climbed himself to a life of wealth. He's worked hard to open his own business and just when success peaks, Isaiah's new found strength to step out on faith drives a wedge between him and the woman in his life. Not only does he regret meeting Justine, it's a challenge for him to escape her calculated stalking. At what cost will Isaiah say no to the world and yes to God? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"># # #<br />
<em><strong>~Video features old cover 2010~</strong></em><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cobject%20width=%22425%22%20height=%22344%22%3E%3Cparam%20name=%22movie%22%20value=%22http://www.youtube.com/v/TU3360_MJsA&hl=en_US&fs=1%22%3E%3C/param%3E%3Cparam%20name=%22allowFullScreen%22%20value=%22true%22%3E%3C/param%3E%3Cparam%20name=%22allowscriptaccess%22%20value=%22always%22%3E%3C/param%3E%3Cembed%20src=%22http://www.youtube.com/v/TU3360_MJsA&hl=en_US&fs=1%22%20type=%22application/x-shockwave-flash%22%20allowscriptaccess=%22always%22%20allowfullscreen=%22true%22%20width=%22425%22%20height=%22344%22%3E%3C/embed%3E%3C/object%3E"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TU3360_MJsA&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TU3360_MJsA&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<strong>Excerpt</strong>: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Chapter 1|Isaiah</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I was running from the devil as fast as I could. My hair raced in the opposite direction, and my feet floated like raging currents of an ocean. Desperate, petrified, jittery, strapped—something familiar snatched me back.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Isaiah.” She loved calling my name with the sweetest voice I’ve ever known. Rendering me helpless, her femininity stifled my flow and tackled me to the ground. I knew from the moment we met, something just wasn’t right, yet I allowed my loins to act in place of my brain. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"> Her beauty struck me every time I laid eyes upon her; pimp slaps to my face, karate kicks to my heart. She presented herself as every woman, every woman indeed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Justine’s eyelashes fluttered the sweet song of seduction. Her lips pouted the hymn of fornication. And the rest of her wanted me to partake of the forbidden fruit. Movies, dinner, nightcaps, intercourse—her marathon tested my stamina. I never had a chance. Our bodies intertwined as one recreating the effects of a Twizzler stick. She moaned my name, I groaned hers. She grabbed my head in the heat of passion and marked her territory with scratches on my back. I winced a little, but didn’t want to disturb the groove. She’s my one and only. The woman I wanted to marry one day, the woman I wanted to carry my seed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Her silhouette stirred up my desire, enticed my heart, and teased my thirst. Her beautiful hazel eyes lured me in. Excuse me—her beautiful hazel <em>contacts</em> lured me in. She presented me with every quality I asked for in a mate; <em>perfection</em> should have been her name.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I met this woman at a restaurant while I was having a Boys Night Out with my fellas. She was wearing an orange haltertop-tie-thing with some jeans that accentuated her booming system. Her toes, oh her toes ... I’m a sucker for pedicures. Her hair was in an up do that swung in opposite directions as she walked. She has strikingly smooth, ebony skin tone that should have been featured in the latest issue of <em>Jet</em> magazine. <em>She</em> should have been a <em>Beauty of the Week</em>—captivating smile, alluring fragrance, reputable intelligence, and justifiable conceitedness. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The single candle lit above our heads represented the year we had been together. The pictures on the wall displayed our loyalty to one another … or at least they should have.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I peered up remembering what my best friend told me, and suddenly my desire for her left. The feeling of insecurity injected a glacier into my heart, but I still loved her. She had my soul and I prayed that I had hers, yet envisioning her with another man killed my appetite. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I rolled over to my side of the bed, yanking the sheets up to my chest.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Baby, what’s wrong?” she asked, placing a petite palm on my left shoulder.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I turned around to answer, almost wanting to ask her if it were true. The thoughts were driving me crazy, but I <em>had</em> to know. I <em>had</em> to know if the woman I had been idolizing for the past year was creeping behind my back. My thoughts shattered as something grabbed my attention to the Holy Bible sitting off in the corner of the room, and I deepened in my regret. The flickering flame reflecting from the scented candle atop my cherry wood dresser shed light in the midst of my dark transgression.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Baby, is there something wrong?” Justine repeated, this time nudging my chin in her direction. As I gazed into her mesmerizing eyes, I was jolted right back into her trance.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">She had me. I was on lock down. I tried to fight my way out, but she always managed to wrestle me to the mat. One, two, three … this time, the championship was her victory—I lost. I think I lost a lot more than I had bargained for.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"># # #</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10043317958157768565noreply@blogger.com0