This year at Woman Thou Art Loosed, thousands of women will join together to rejuvenate and reconnect to the

source of their salvation. They will go back to their lives stronger than before. Over the course of the years, we have noticed a change in the faces of the crowd. Each year the women are getting younger and younger, joining hands with their more seasoned sisters in Christ, praying with just as much reverence, wisdom, humility, and grace. Gone are the days when our young women only aspired to become actresses, models, singers, or dancers. There is a generation of women rising up who only desire one thing to walk with God. Everything else is secondary. Exhibiting faith that is foreign to their generation, these young ladies are steadfast in their belief that nothing, not society, culture, race, class, or even age, can keep them from seeking His presence. I am proud to be a part of this group of young women, committed to changing the world and spreading the Good News of Christ to a generation the world has deemed lost. We are translators of the Gospel, soaking up wisdom from those who are more seasoned than us, seeking His touch on our own, and translating his Word in every way possible. Whether through Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, or Wordpress, you dont have to look far for a young girl proudly declaring who God is in her life. God is using the strength of the young, the wisdom of the generation before, and the power of His word to change lives. Over the weekend, I will walk through the crowds of Woman Thou Art Loosed and not just see my mother, my aunt or grandmother, I will see myself. I will look into the eyes of another young woman on ire for Christ, divinely favored to carry out the mission of her calling.

How befitting it is that women would be responsible for waking a generation to acknowledge the power of God in their lives. Was it not Mary, a woman, who Jesus first revealed himself to after he had risen? Now 2,000 years later, it is still women spreading the News to all who are willing to hear that He yet lives! Society tried to teach us that it was easier to show our bodies than exhibit intelligence. They took prayer out of our schools and replaced it with a moment of silence. They put religious programming on early in the morning when they thought wed never see it. In spite of it all, God found us. He found us hungry for a touch from Him, ready to be used. We must continue to empower young women to embrace their role in Christ, to be comfortable living boldly for Him. Be gentle with young women seeking the face of God, for they have decided to swim against the current to seek His glory. How blessed we are to know that when the matriarchs of our churches ascend to glory, the Body of Christ will not cease to exist, but will receive a transplant of wise, vibrant, Christ-illed women, ready to pick up the torch. Sarah Henson

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FEATURE
BY DR. CINDY TRIMM

DEVELOPING YOUR

ASSET!

It is a pleasure to join Bishop T. D. Jakes and Lady Jakes for Woman Thou Art Loosed 2011. This is their passion to empower women to discover purpose and maximize their potential. They have found their purpose and they are fulilling it because of two things: they know who they are in God and they are not afraid to display it. They have developed their greatest asset, and you must develop yours too. If I asked you the question, Who are you? Would you answer with the role you play or the title you wear? So many people dont know who they are. They often say, Im trying to ind myself, I dont know who I am, I dont know what I want, I dont know where Im going. You married hoping to ind yourself. You got a degree, but did you really ind yourself? This and many other issues stem from knowing who you are, or living authentically. People have been telling you who you are all your life. But who does God say you are? Who are you really? The challenge to live authentically is a call to everyone. Stop deining yourself by your past mistakes, your roles and titles. Stop defining yourself by your current status or circumstances. Get to know who you are so you can live life out loud. Its who you are and the way you live that count before God. Thats the kind of people the Father is looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves. Your authentic, divine self is the seed of greatness God put inside of you the deposit God made when He formed Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Steve Maraboli says, Live authentically! Why would you compromise something thats beautiful to create something that is fake? You were put on this earth to achieve your greatest self, to live out your purpose, and to do it fearlessly. We often lose ourselves when we live outside in rather than inside out. Marianne Williamson said, Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people wont feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. Its not just in some of us; its in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. YOU are your greatest asset so Let your light shine (Matthew 5:16).
____________________ Dr. Cindy Trimm is a best-selling author, high impact teacher, former senator and an international speaker. For more information visit www.trimminternational.com

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EMPOWERED
BY DANA SLAGLE

to

PREACH

By the time Sheryl Brady was in her 30s, she was happily married with three children and content leading devotional service in her church. The once quiet and shy girl from Detroit never knew she would become a pastor a role for centuries viewed as a mans job. Despite the fact Pastor Brady is among a minority group of women who serve as clergy, God has used her in unexpected ways and settings. She has spoken to numerous denominations, appeared in national media outlets, and was the irst woman to preach at the all-male ManPower conference hosted by Bishop T.D. Jakes. Though she says she was shaking in her boots when she was added to the lineup, she was well-received by the group of more than 10,000 men. Whats most amazing is this powerhouse pastor never thought she had it in her. I lived for many years, and I was absolutely blinded to it. There was never an, Oh my God Ive got to do this! God would prove otherwise. The Awakening One day I was asked to lead devotional service, and one thing led to another. I eventually became the praise and worship leader. I worshipped God enough at home to know how to do it, but I had never done it in front of a crowd. So, I went through a period of saying, God, I dont mind doing this with just you and me, but now everybodys looking. I would get up to sing right before my husband would preach, and Id start talking. I thought I I was setting up my song. It was too much for a set up, but not enough for a message. My husband got behind me and began to push me. He said, You can do this. Youve got to take this text and just pull it through. Be a inisher. I would have never known I could do that had Bishop Jakes not come into my life and preached to me. It was never one on one, but I was always in the audience. He woke up stuff in me I never knew was there. He pulled my gift out and set it in front of my face until I became hungry to see it manifest in my life.

ADVICE

Armed with Godly passion, support from her husband Bishop Joby Brady, and teachings from Bishop Jakes, she found courage to heed Gods call and allow her gift to blossom. She went from the bashful person standing in the shadows to being empowered to preach!

If you are considering whether God has called you to ministry, make your calling and election sure because it looks a lot easier than it really is. Whenever God has anointed you to do something, it can be done. It doesnt mean youre not going to have struggles, but you have to make your calling and election sure. I encourage you to remove any bitterness out of your spirit. Ministry should not be a platform to fuss at people. You have to study to show yourself approved. Youve got to ill your spirit full of the Word of God and allow His gift to overpower you! To all women who are already pastors, sometimes you go through weary seasons. During those periods, youve got to pull yourself aside, examine yourself and pray to God. Ask Him to refresh you. Strengthen you. Empower you to do what Hes called you to do. If you put the bread on the table, God will bring people to the table to eat. Its like when I put birdseed in my backyard. I dont have to stand out there and call the birds. They automatically gravitate to the bread, the seed. That is the greatest way to build a church and build up strong people!

ABOUT

One word that describes you: Passionate Whats next: Im working on a book based on my life: I Didnt Have It In Me What drives you to succeed: My assignment drives me. Its purpose. Life outside of purpose is null, void and empty. Its what makes me want to get up in the morning, get in the Word, and preach. Family Reward: My husband and I are determined to have a strong family unit. So, we do that through balance. One of the greatest rewards is seeing the fruit of our decision because now I look at our children and I can actually sit back and watch their gifts come to light.

YEARS AFTER HER

EXPERIENCE
KAREN CLARK SHEARD SHARES HER STORY OF SURVIVAL

BY DANA SLAGLE

Karen Clark Sheard is thankful to God each day He allows her to breathe another breath and sing another song. Just 10 years ago, doctors predicted the gifted gospel artist only had a 2 percent chance to live after she suffered complications during a scheduled routine surgery and fell into a coma. With her family by her side, and God in control, she made a miraculous recovery. When I think back on that traumatic experience, I see God as a miracle worker! Clark Sheard tells eMotions during a recent interview in Dallas. It brings me to tears just talking about it. During my sickness I was at deaths door. Ive seen God perform miracles and bring people out of situations. But, to look at me personally, and see that God showed His hand of excellence and work a miracle through me I am thankful to Him for just allowing me to have another chance to continue my ministry. Because Clark Sheard was bedridden for a lengthy period following her illness, she had to re-learn how to use her limbs. She thought she would not sing or play piano ever again. Instead she made a full recovery, and released several albums, including her latest project, All in One under the label Karew Records launched by Clark Sheard and her husband Bishop J. Drew Sheard, senior pastor of the Detroit-based Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ. Not only has Clark Sheard continued to sing, God tapped her ability to write music, a skill that she says she did not previously have. Yet her mom, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, as well as her sisters, children (Kierra and J. Drew II), and other family members were all gifted writers. I asked God, Did you leave me out? she laughs. I wanted to go to a higher place. I told

God that Im tired of being complacent you have to be careful what you pray for. God was showing me, Are you willing to take this step so I can make your misery become your ministry? God did just that and made up for lost time. Her music has garnered several prestigious accolades, including Grammy awards. She and her family are grateful that God gave her a second chance. If God brought me out of that, who is to say He hasnt made you for such a time as this? Her sister, Jacky Clark Chisolm, who is a nurse and was there with Clark Sheard during her illness, relects on that scary time. It was very dificult when she was hospitalized. She had never been sick. Were a very close-knit family and she was the baby. We all spoil her. At the time, I was acting in a play and I would leave the play at night and stay all night with her in the hospital. I was watching over her. When God ultimately brought her through, it was a great moment in our family. Kierra, who was a teen during that time, recalls how the ordeal changed her. It deinitely made me appreciate my mother, says the singer who also has a newly-released album titled Free (Karew Records). Her illness taught me to pray. Ten years ago, I was 14. I was a praying woman at 14. God allowed me to grow and continue to listen to her because when youre 14 you think you know it all. But after she was released from the hospital, it challenged me to love on her, listen to her, and value my family because you never know what they have to face. I love her and I am thankful for her!

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he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair
Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)

ADVISORS The

NEW

Era of

Entrepreneurship
ACHIEVING YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL DESTINY
BY DARWIN J. BRUCE

Have an

Entrepreneurial Mindset
Entrepreneurship is much broader than the simple deinition of small business. It is a mindset. You must think like an investor and act like an entrepreneur. You invest in an idea to create value that is separately identiiable from yourself. However, as an entrepreneur, you still take full responsibility for it. Make sure that each of your ventures has its own unique purpose, vision, and plan.

At this time, more than ever, it is paramount for entrepreneurs to take control of their entrepreneurial dreams and plan to succeed in this new era. Of course, there are certain steps you should take to better control your entrepreneurial destiny. Read on and learn how to open the door to your future.

Understand the

Business Create Value

Most would agree that people invest in something they believe will either create value or appreciate in value. The information age has transformed modern business by introducing technologies such as social media and smart phones that provide more ways of creating value at a faster pace. Therefore, you must employ innovation and strategic planning to create something of value for investors and consumers quickly and consistently. The Map

Plan, Manage, and Strategize

There are always inherent risks in business. The word entrepreneur by its own deinition is someone who organizes, manages, and assumes the risk of a business or enterprise. However, you can overcome many risks if you develop a succinct business plan, an organized management infrastructure, and strategies to create value. Strive to be innovative and develop new ideas while balancing risks and costs. This will ultimately lead to proitability.

Expect to

Succeed
What does it take to succeed? It takes an entrepreneurial mindset, a plan, and management strategies that create value through innovation and a focus on proitability. It does not come easily, but it can be done. The economy has changed, and change creates opportunity for those who are prepared to seize the moment. Dont miss your opportunity. Expect to win. Plan to win. Prepare to win in this new era of entrepreneurship. The future of our economy awaits!

__________________ Darwin J. Bruce, J.D., is COO of The Potters House of Dallas and author of The Map to Entrepreneurship. For more information visit www.darwinbruce.com

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BY PASTOR PAULA WHITE

If youve ever heard Pastor Paula White preach, then you know she can deliver a message that will leave you singing and shouting. Beyond her passion for transforming lives, healing hearts, and winning souls, she has a venerable knack for style. eMotions caught up with the chic pastor to ind out about her fashion sense. Here is what we found. Fashion sense...I like to represent myself in a way that feels authentic to who I am. Fashion is an artistic expression and part of my personality make-up. It has always been important to express myself and who I am in God through everything I do. But, Im also aware that I have to dress appropriately for each situation. I think if Im able to both be authentic and appropriately dressed in a way that is also stylish, Im functioning at a high potential level as the woman God created me to be. Plus its fun! Pulpit style vs. daily styleIn the pulpit Im there to work. I have a job to do for the Lord, and that is my primary purpose when Im choosing my clothes. Therefore, I tend to dress more professionally with suits or nice dresses than if I were just hanging out. When I am not in the pulpit I tend to dress much more casual chic. I wear clothes that are authentic aspects of who I am in the earth. Clothes, like everything else, serve a purpose and make a statement. Favorite wardrobe item My black 5-inch platform pumps! I absolutely adore those shoes. They are super feminine, yet empowering. They make me feel strong, feminine, stylish and even a little sexy! I cant help but love shoes, but at least I can admit it. One word to describe your style One word for a preacher AND a woman! Good luck with that! I would say Chic (and eclectic). Is eclecti-chic a word? Favorite activities Baking, antiquing, reading books and a good work out!

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STYLE

_____________________ Paula White is pastor of Without Walls International Church. She is also a life coach, motivational speaker, author, philanthropist, TV personality, mother, preacher and teacher. For more information visit www.paulawhite.org

(Photo 1) Casual and cute, Paula White dons denim with knee boots and a chic sweater.

(Photo 2) Paula White exudes elegance in this classic red suit.

(Photo 3) A black dress is appropriate for any occasion and a must-have for Paula Whites wardrobe!

(Photo 4) A itted-black skirt is perfect for any function, and a fashion necessity for Paula White.

(Photo 5) Paula White conveys panache in this highly-stylish, chocolate leather jacket.

BY SARAH HENSON

At the age of 19 when most young men were still enjoying a lifestyle of fun, with little to no responsibility, Thomas Dexter Jakes, was not content living the life of his peers. He made a decision that would forever change his life. Thirty-five years later, he is an internationally-renowned pastor. From Africa to Atlanta and Russia to Roanoke, you have to look pretty hard to ind an area of the globe where his ministry hasnt been heard. His sermons have literally saved countless lives and motivated others to live their biggest dreams. His movies have served as a tool to open communication about molestation, rape, domestic violence, family secrets, inances, and socio-economic differences. Would you believe me if I said, hes just getting started? I interviewed some of Bishop Jakes closest friends and family members to learn a little bit more about the man behind the pulpit. Holloway Gray met Bishop Jakes in kindergarten. The year was 1962. Now, almost 50 years since they irst met, their friendship has evolved into a brotherhood, a safe place for them both. Gray says he realized that his dear friend was destined to change the hearts of millions when he ministered at Azuza. Since then, Bishop Jakes has made appearances on the New York Times Bestsellers List, CNN, FOX, and countless other outlets. But it was his appearance in Charleston, W. Va., more than three years ago that Gray cherishes most. When Denise and I lost our son, Bishop lew from L.A. and met me in Charleston. He helped to save my life that night. Of all of his accomplishments, Bishop is most proud of his family. He and his wife, First Lady Serita Jakes, have ive beautiful children. Even with a life-changing ministry and a family of his own, Bishop Jakes has played a surrogate father to many. His niece, Kelly Sedgwick-Young relects, I most enjoyed how my uncle befriended me while I was a young student at Oral Roberts University. His constant emails and connecting were a light and a guide to me when

my own eyes were dim. The relationship fed my soul! Not one to limit himself to the conines of traditional ministry, Bishop Jakes took his work from the pulpit into the movie theaters. In 2005, Devon Franklin, an executive at Sony Pictures, sat down with Bishop Jakes to discuss the possibility of ministering to people through inspirational ilms. Franklin admires Bishop Jakes ministry for its life-transforming power. Franklin soon learned that Bishop Jakes intelligence is as undeniable as his ministry. When asked what makes him an astute businessman Franklin said, Hes got tremendous instincts and incredible passion. Bishop Jakes has made it a point to never stray from his ministry. He has served as pastor of The Potters House of Dallas for over 15 years. Lawrence Robinson, senior associate pastor of The Potters House attributes his success to, messages that were and are still relevant to people. His messages cause all to feel that God loves them and they have a chance to make it. There is no better example of this than Raul Magdaleno, a member of The Potters House since 1999. Bishop Jakes has taught me who I am and whose I am. Most importantly, I have stopped allowing other people to determine my relationship with God. Through Bishop Jakes ministry, I have been given the greatest gifts: faith, love and compassion for the least of these. Whether touching the lives of people through his ministry, ilms, or personal relationships, one thing is for sure: Bishop Jakes life has been kissed by God. His work does not cease. Whether sharing life-changing anecdotes with his family and friends, or touching the lives of people like Raul, every Sunday he has lived a life that cannot be imitated. The world is better because of that 19-year-old young man who kneeled at the feet of God 35 years ago and said, Yes!

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FEATURE

14

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FEATURE

BY BRADIE JAMES

For me and Foundation 56, breast cancer does not have an off season nor do we restrict ourselves to helping those impacted by such a life-altering disease to one month. My mission and motivation for establishing a faith-based breast cancer foundation ive years ago was inluenced by lack of knowledge. It all started with my mother, Etta James. My family was not educated on how to access the resources and services necessary for my mother. Because of her, I wanted to grant others access to quality medical services and resources designed to aid the entire family. In order to receive proper care, communication between patients and doctors must low freely. I learned the necessity of communication through what happened with my family. I am the youngest of my mothers four children, and my brothers and sister and I do not have the same father. My mother kept her prognosis a secret for a while. I was faced with accepting my mothers situation while my father was battling an illness himself. My father asked me to care for my mother should anything happen to him. Not knowing all of the details of my mothers prognosis, I had to try to make sense of what I could do as the youngest child. Please understand that my faith level at the beginning of this journey was nowhere near what it is now. Since my mother did not share many details about her battle with breast cancer, I witnessed a woman who was dedicated to protecting her children and caring for her husband while he was sick. My mother was more concerned about me staying focused on school than my caring for her. How does a son deal with such a choice? After my parents died, I became distant from others, wondering if anyone would understand what I was going through in losing two parents in three months. It was nearly four years after being in the NFL before I felt somewhat comfortable in sharing any of this with the public. Through this journey, Ive learned that God has turned what appears to be a mess into a message. He has blessed me to utilize my personal experience to be a road map to guide others impacted by breast cancer. When I established the Bradie James Foundation 56, my primary goal as the sole donor was to provide educational services and resources to the entire family impacted by breast cancer. When my mother was diagnosed, my family did not have the type of knowledge and faith we have now. Five years later, I am grateful that we now have more donors and supporters helping to serve and assist thousands battling breast cancer.

(Dedication 1) Bradie speaks to a group impacted by Breast Cancer.

(Cooking Class 3) Bradie poses with his cooking class.

I am thankful to be given the opportunity to utilize my daily activities of cooking, yoga, gardening, and much more to inspire those directly impacted by breast cancer and to encourage them to get involved with personally keeping themselves healthy. We opened the Bradie James Breast Cancer Resource Center with the understanding of offering everything women and men need to feel comfortable to maintain a sense of peace in knowing they dont have to worry about how to pay for the essentials. We provide everything from itted wigs, to scarves and prosthetics. We offer mammogram screenings through the much-needed Methodist Mobile Unit we assisted in funding. We fund transportation to and from daily doctor appointments, physical therapy appointments, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. None of this would have been possible if it had started as a half-brained idea. Someone had to have gone through something. If it had to be my mother and my family, I understand. But Im going to make sure their deaths have meaning. I have faith in knowing God has blessed me, the youngest surviving son of the late Etta James, to inspire others through the legacy Im privileged to build in honor of both of my parents. I encourage each of you to give your faith a ighting chance and know God has a message in what you may view as a mess.
________________________
Bradie James attended Louisiana State University from 1999-2002 and was drafted to the NFL by the Dallas Cowboys for whom he still plays and dominates as a linebacker.

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HEALTH

Eating for a

HEALTHIER
BY BRYAN A. PIERRE

habits for you, and the body God gave you. Comparing yourself to someone else is the quickest way to get off track and may lead to extremes of overeating and even unhealthy dieting. 5. Supplement Appropriately! We all need vitamins and minerals with Calcium and Vitamin D being two of the keys! Theres always some mineral our bodies need more of simply because were not getting enough from our current diet, or were rapidly using up the supply through our daily activities. And, remember, herbal supplements are medications. So always check with your physician before consuming them. 6. Go Green! All diets need to be predominantly plant-based! Consume as many fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein as possible. The best way to ensure this is by doing most of your grocery shopping around the periphery of the store, because thats the location of most fresh foods! The inner aisles hold boxed foods that are loaded with unhealthy preservatives. 7. Substitution is Key! To add lavor to foods, substitute ingredients at the beginning of its preparation. Instead of starting with water to boil vegetables and then adding fat, boil them in a low-fat broth! That substitution not only adds healthy lavor to foods from the beginning, but also cuts out over 60% of the fat! Your eating habits are essential to maintaining the beauty God has given you. Following these simple tips will help you not only transform your body into the powerful machine it was created to be, but will also enable you to step out in the styles youve always wanted to wear!

In addition to plenty of exercise, eating a balanced, organic and healthy diet is all the rage today! Though the previous statement sounds like something a fashion editor would say, if youre honest with yourself, you know current fashion trends are driven by the nutritional health of the person showcasing the latest in chic. Society might place too much emphasis on looks, but that shouldnt stop the modern Christian woman from looking great. In order to put you on the path to obtaining that new look youve always wanted, medical expert for NBC and ABC, Dr. Jill Waggoner, from Ask Dr. Jill on the Dallas-based Willis Johnson Morning Show on KKDA, has stepped in with some great nutrition tips for the woman who wants to it that new dress, and feel healthy and well while doing it! 1. Keep an Open Mind! Most people who approach eating healthy always say, I want it to taste good. But, in order for something to taste good, you must develop a taste for it! The best way is to learn to prepare healthy foods appropriately to bring out the best lavor! 2. Unhealthy Cooking Takes an Eternity! Seasoning, battering, and frying takes up a bit of time where healthy cooking should take no more than 30 minutes! Seasoning and steaming vegetables and baking your protein are the simplest, most nutritious and eficient ways to prepare your food! 3. Youth is Fleeting! The way we looked in our 20s isnt how we will look in our 40s, 50s, or 60s. Maintenance is absolutely necessary to keep that youthful look, but dont get hung up on the younger years. Taking care of your body now is whats necessary, and theres no better step than eating healthy! 4. Were All Snowakes! Everyone is different, having a different health in comparison to those nearest them. You must ind the proper eating

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___________________ Dr. Jill Waggoner holds a masters degree and medical degree from the University of Oklahoma. She has certiications in both Preventive Medicine and Wellness Coordination for the Prestigious Cooper Institute. She is a residency trained, board certiied Family Practice Physician and has practiced in the Dallas area for more than 15 years. Dr. Waggoner has a special interest in Integrative Medicine, and approaches the treatment of patients from a whole person, total healing perspective.

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BY SARAH HENSON

On the 7th Day is a new ilm by Bishop T.D. Jakes, a follow-up to his critically-acclaimed ilm, Woman Thou Art Loosed. For this project Bishop Jakes partnered with director, Neema Barnette who I had the opportunity to interview about the upcoming ilm. SH: Tell me a little bit about On the 7th Day. NB: On the 7th Day is a ilm about secrets, lies and forgiveness. Its a grown-up look at the modern issues couples face as they battle their demons and attempt to overcome adversities. SH: What made you decide to be a part of this ilm? NB: After talking with the Bishop, I began to understand the kind of real message he wanted to send. I sensed his strong desire to give people guidance that was realistic and honest in dealing with their relationships and their lives. SH: How was your process enhanced by working so closely with Bishop Jakes? NB: The Bishops input was wonderful. His understanding of human emotion and the necessity to forgive served as my backbone in molding a ilm that could deliver his message in a manner that affected the audience to move toward positive change, no matter how dificult it may appear. SH: How is this ilm different from anything you have worked on in the past? NB: The picture had a special spirit that captured a terriic cast and crew, all of whom wanted to be a part of making a movie that meant something. SH: What message are you hoping the audience takes away from this ilm? NB: I hope they remember that keeping faith is dificult at times, but if you do, you will be able to see Gods work and be in rhythm with your own life force. SH: When and where can we expect to see On the 7th Day? NB: You can expect to see On the 7th Day in theaters by spring or summer of 2012. It will be an authentic experience because the film is original and different, entertaining as well as exciting and complex!

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TRAVEL

Travels
My
DISCOVERING INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY
BY PASTOR YEMISI ASHIMOLOWO

I am thankful to God that I am able to travel to many destinations around the world for holidays and ministry. As a result, I have been exposed to a wonderful array of beautiful people, cultures and customs. Its really hard for me to select just one destination that has impacted my life because all of them have, in one way or another. But if I had to choose, it would have to be two destinations: Dubai City and the Womb of Africa Zimbabwe. My Arabian Tale Dubai City Dubai City has risen from the sand dunes of Arabia and metamorphosed from a Bedouin town into an Emirate that is the personiication of record-breaking opulence and sheer luxury. Dubai is home to the Palm Islands: a collection of the worlds three largest man-made islands all built in the shape of the palm tree. Its Islands: the Jumeirah Palm, the Palm Jebel Ali and the Palm Deira are dedicated to relaxation, entertainment and leisure respectively. Dubai also boasts another record breaker in the form of the Burj Al Arab Hotel the tallest hotel in the world in the shape of a glistening glass yacht that rises out of the Persian Gulf. This self-declared Eighth Wonder of the World has rightly earned its seven-star reputation. Dubai is also a place of calmness. The respectful nature of the people and the liberty one has to move around and do as you please within the conines of their culture, make it a destination that I would like to visit again and again. It also has towering skyscrapers and the largest mall on earth The Dubai Mall.

The Limpopo and Zambezi rivers, the awesome cascading waters of the Victoria Falls and the breathtaking mountains and lush botanical gardens of Mutare city are deinitely sights to see. The Great Zimbabwe Ruins, one of the most important archaeological sites in Africa, offer great insight into the lost civilization of the Shona. From my irst visit in 2007, I have experienced a God-ordained relationship with the people of Harare and Bulawayo; one that has truly blessed me in ways I really could not have anticipated. I often remark to the KICC family, that Zimbabwe is like a second home. The love and kindness proffered by the people are immeasurable. I had a mandate from God to preach to the people, but I never dreamed He would have me preach to two churches simultaneously! An administrative error meant that two churches were booked to use the same venue at the same time. It was really a blessing to see the love of God in action as everyone came together as one body to receive the Word. Many people said they did not even know that there were two separate churches attending. This is really how it should be: Unity. The sincere faith and trust of the people I met was so humbling. This is a country where we had to pray for the rain; where people with little gave so willingly and joyfully that it made me and the people I traveled with ask ourselves, What is our problem? We have so much and these people have little by comparison, and yet they truly gave cheerfully and without hesitation. Two churches, one service, two offerings, one speaker: if it happened to me, it can happen to you!
______________________ Pastor Yemisi Ashimolowo is the First Lady of Kingsway International Christian Centre. KICC is the largest and fastest growing church in Western Europe. For more information visit www.kicc.org

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The Womb of Africa - Zimbabwe My second destination is Zimbabwe. God has blessed this country with amazing natural beauty.

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LIFESTYLE

BY DANA SLAGLE

All across the nation, tens of thousands of people over the last decade have pledged to lead abstinent lives until they tie the knot. And there have been popular items to help promote chastity from the Silver Ring Thing to purity balls and nowT-shirts. Yvonne Orji, owner of Rock Your Stance! Apparel, came up with the idea to create this memorable and hip line of clothing in 2009 after speaking at an event and used the phrase, Keepin It Locked Til I Get That Rock! I included the bold statement as part of a skit I wrote, she tells eMotions. Soon, the phrase caught on. My Pastor, Dr. Michael Freeman, would use it whenever he spoke about singles waiting until marriage. Finally, my friends encouraged me to trademark it and market it on apparel. From that irst slogan, Rock Your Stance! was born. The inspiration behind Rock Your Stance! is simple. Essentially, it boils down to having conidence in reppin the Kingdom of God wherever, whenever! Its about making bold statements unabashedly. When you Rock Your Stance! whether it be about sexual purity or what youre sure youre entitled to as a Kings Kid, you add your own unique lavor and style to it. Not only do the shirts have a unique lair, they illicit a variety of responses. Usually, when people hear the phrase or read the shirt, they burst out laughing and say something to the effect of, Thats cute. Some folks who dont identify with the slogan usually give the look of OkkkaayWellAlright! Ive gotten a few Better you than me sister! You keep on! Its too late for me, but you go right on ahead and wait! Overall, most Christians get excited about the message and want to purchase shirts for their mentees, youth groups, etc. Though fashionable and fun, Yvonne considers the shirts both a ministry and a movement. The shirts deinitely minister to those who identify with the message and, as more people grow bold enough to rock their stance, it becomes a movement of folks who unashamedly, unabashedly, and uncompromisingly declare what they irmly believe. My aim with Rock Your Stance! is to create apparel that is fun, catchy, and bold while delivering an encouraging message based on biblical principles. For information visit www.rockyourstance.com

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