Tag Archives: Forgiveness

Dec 4 2012

Author Interview: The Blood Done Signed My Name

The Blood Done Signed My Name

The Blood Done Signed My Name

The Blood Done Signed My Name: M. Ann RICKS

  • What genre would you say your books fall into? My novels are Christian Fiction.
  • Who or what inspires your writing? I am inspired by God as a result of my Savior Jesus Christ! The Holy Spirit gives me the premise for my stories and downloads the sentiment and the words so that I may do what we as followers of Jesus were anointed to do: Share the gospel of Jesus Christ. By doing this through the words He gives me, He will heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to those who are in bondage, give sight to the blind, free those who are oppressed and proclaim Jesus Christ is Lord.
  • How did your upbringing impact your beliefs and relationship with God? My upbringing was, church, school and home-life. Most of my activities, aside for participating in school activities, (plays and performances) were church related. I am very fortunate that I have the best parents a girl could have! My parents kept me in church and that is where I thrived and as a result, I am forever grateful to them! My relationship with God however became stronger in my adult life.
  • Was there ever a period in your life that you went against or strayed away from what you had been taught? I think we have all backslidden, (myself included) and that’s why I love my Savior so much! He is always willing to welcome you back into the family with open arms! Reminding us to “go and sin no more!” His word tells us that we shouldn’t sin but…“And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1 His word also tells us, “ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9
  • If so, what led you back to Christ? His LOVE, The truth of His Word! ….Not what man said but what He said! He allowed me to confront why I had not immersed myself in Him and what I need to do to be free… I mean really free! Glory to God!
  • Who is your favorite character in The Blood Done Signed My Name? I haven’t a favorite character but if I simply love the way God used me to write Ms. Sadie! She has the quiet strength and firm but patient love that I find necessary in today’s world to help those who have lost their way.
  • Describe the process you go through for developing your characters. Crazily enough, I haven’t a special process. All three of my novel’s premises were given to me during my quiet time with God. Rhachelle, I want to be used by Him and because I make that my priority, I become open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. As I am writing, He will give me names as I use the gift of writing to share their story. He allows me to simply write. He instructs me throughout the process, downloading what He knows someone will need to read to experience His love and as a result they are blessed! I am truly being used as a vessel for His handiwork!
  • What message do you hope to convey to your readers through you’re THE BLOOD DONE SIGNED MY NAME? The message that I would love for all to receive from THE BLOOD DONE SIGNED MY NAME is that regardless of who you are, what your family lineage looks like, whatever you’ve done, whatever has been done to you, the blood of Jesus can make you a new creature because of its power. God loves us so much and because He loves us, He sacrificed His only son Jesus. Jesus became the sacrifice for us and all that we have done and are going to do. We have been absolved and even justified. We can walk in freedom and liberty because of what Jesus did. A new life is available for those who believe!
  • As a full-time writer was there ever a time that your faith was tested? How did you refocus and keep moving forward? There were struggles along the way…. Yes indeed! There were delays, rewrites, rejections and faith fights! At times I was my worst enemy! There were many days I was so discouraged, I wanted to simply give up. I’m so thankful Rhachelle, that God is faithful even we forget what He’s promised. “God is not a man, that He should lie, ….Has He said, and will He not do? … has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” Numbers 23:19
  • Do you have any upcoming projects? It is my hope to assist other Christian writers with my literary workshop for aspiring Christian writers called, “Conversations…. Writing to Reconcile”. I had the wonderful opportunity to share it regionally but would love to be afforded a venue that could allow me to do so nationally. As believers in Christ it is our mandate to reconcile others to God. Using our literary gifts is certainly one way we can accomplish that awesome task. Additionally, for all who are interested, I distribute electronically, (on-line), a monthly newsletter, M. Ann’s Literary Communiqué and prayerfully it will continue to increase in circulation. Lastly, I’ve begun my 4th novel, The SHIFT!
  • Any final words for the readers? I so appreciate the readers taking the time to read this interview! I feel incredibly BLESSED!
    M. Ann Ricks

    M. Ann Ricks

    Thanks to you all! I invite the readers to visit my website and www.mannricks.net to simply read more about me! If interested they may find my novels on all online literary establishments. (i.e.: www.amazon.com / www.bn.com). For speaking engagement, Literary Dialogues and book club gatherings, please feel free to contact me directly using: Godsauthor@mannricks.net. I have an Author’s Page on Facebook: M. Ricks Literary Creations.

Rhachelle, thanks so much for this wonderful interview! Continued blessings to you! Let God continue to be GLORIFIED!

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Jul 27 2012

Lord I Want To Be Made Whole

“No benefit can ever come from regretting our past.”  Author Paulette Harper-Johnson takes us on a journey to wholeness, being complete and lacking nothing.   This book will open you up, show you your heart and issues, then put you all back together.   I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from cover to cover.   This book is for everyone, it does not matter where you are at in your journey.   The Author used some of her own testimony, scripture and wisdom to provide an excellent guide to the reader.   I read this using a kindle app and I must say that did not keep me from highlighting certain key points made by the Author.   Completely Whole is definitely a book that I can see myself reading again.  ”Move forward, understanding that suffering, pain, and troubles are not necessarily attacks from the enemy, but can be God’s way of bringing you to a place of surety in him. ”  
About the Book
Completely Whole is resource filled- guide full of practical and Biblically-based principles, real-life application strategies and prayers to give the readers a holistic approach to living a life of wholeness through Jesus. Christ. This book is inspiring, optimistic, hopeful and encouraging while providing a clear-cut, scriptural blueprint for each reader to follow as they allow the Word and the power of God to transform their pain and restore their lives on their road to becoming Completely Whole.
Harper plainly states that “words have the power and ability to create (76)” which can place you in a position to be completely whole. The purpose of her book Completely Whole is to “bring the reader to the place of wholeness—spirit, soul and body.” She provides a biblical foundation, personal experiences, prayer and a confession in each chapter to give a voice of reason to the women who cry out to learn more about who they are, where they are to go and why it is so important to know God’s word. Her personal walk is the example within the text. Jewell Williams Ministries
About the Author
Paulette Harper Johnson, an award winning author, writing coach, and speaker, seeks to inspire women from all walks of life. As an inspirational and motivational speaker, Paulette’s desire is to empower, influence and cultivate women to move forward while dealing with issues that hinder women from becoming all they are created to be. Her topics are Biblically sound and pertinent to the needs of today’s women.
Paulette is a wife, mother, grandmother, Bible teacher, radio host, writer and the owner of WNL Virtual Blog Tours. Her years of marketing her own self-published books have created a special talent in her—her ability to sell a product well. Not only does she specialize in marketing strategies, but also serves as the publicist for P.F.L. Publishing.
She has been mentoring and teaching women for years though seminars, workshops and conferences. Paulette Harper Johnson serves in ministry as an Elder with her husband Sr. Pastor Tony E. Johnson at Word of Faith Worship Center in Bradenton and North Port FL.
You can connect with Paulette Harper-Johnson at www.pauletteharper.com

Purchase book: Amazon

Paperback: http://tinyurl.com/425euh7

Kindle:   http://tinyurl.com/3novrjg

Jun 29 2012

After The Mourning…

On Tour July 14th – July 24th…Be a host

“How could you?”  Those were the words that came through the phone.  No hello or how are you, instead loud sobs and a voice that I knew was not going to let me hear the end of it.  “Why would you do this to me?”  I thought to myself, why does everything have to be about you.  For once, I made a decision for me.  I found a way to move on, a way to forgive, a way to let go and I wasn’t apologizing for it.  My mother and I did not speak for almost three months.  It made it hard for me to promote or discuss my book because I felt like all the work I had done had backfired.  I began to doubt God.  I would pray and cry out to God, “I know you gave me this to write.  I trusted you.  For once I found a way to surrender my life over into your hands and release the guilt and shame from my past but I feel horrible.”

After the completion of Sunday Mourning, it sat completed for months.  I felt like the writing was the process that God wanted to take me through and as I wrote, I felt the layers of hurt and pain that had rested on my heart begin to be lifted.  God was removing the weights and baggage that I had carried for years.  I was satisfied but God was not finished with me.  “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6  I soon began to post excerpts from my book and every time I post someone would leave a comment.  The comments were tugging at me, letting me know that I had to finish what I had started. Soon after, I published.  The reviews, emails, comments and messages let me know that my testimony was not just for me.

Fast forward to now, I can remember the day like it was yesterday when my mother called me and told me thank you.  She told me thank you for freeing me.  I had showed her that it was okay to forgive.  I showed her that forgiving someone didn’t mean they were right but you give up the right to let the hurt and pain control you.   Generational curses are real, we pass on hurt in so many ways.  If we are not careful an entire generation then takes on our issues and they become bigger than the previous generation’s.  I have a better relationship with my mother now than I have ever had.  “Find a way to tell YOUR story so that each time you tell it a piece of you is healed.” ~ Oprah

My mourning is now joy and I am celebrating the one year release of Sunday Mourning from July 14th – July 24th.  There are 7 slots still available.  If you are interested in being a host click here for more details.

“I show my scars so that others know they can heal.”

May 23 2012

The Official Rules to Being Single

We have all gone through a period or season in our lives during which we were single.  The one thing we can probably all agree on, is that whether single or in a relationship there are some standards that we must maintain and hold onto for our own sanity.  If there had been a rule book when I was dating, it probably would have prevented a lot of hurt and pain.  But through it all, I have gained a lot of wisdom and I don’t mind sharing.  Today, I am excited about this interview with the Author of “The Official Rules to Being Single”, A’esha Goins.
-What is the one rule that would in your opinion, trump all others?
The last rule, Pray always. There were moments when I thought I would literally lose my mind. I was certain no one understood my agony. It seemed, all my friends were getting hooked up and I would be single forever. The only thing I had of value was my prayer life. The time I spent on my knees in meditation gave me great comfort and relief.
-Describe the process of writing your book? Was it at all what you expected?
Writing my book started the moment my ex husband told me, he was no longer happy in his misery. When we arose the next morning and I hadn’t killed him, I knew I would have to write my story to help somebody through what I had experienced. Every time I had an ache, I would blog it on myspace. To me that was what being a writer was all about. I had a point of view that I wanted to share with the world and that was the easiest way to accomplish. It wasn’t until 200 blogs later that I knew I needed to publish something. I pulled my blog entries off of Myspace and tried to make some story line that made sense. I gave them to my friends, family, and coach to help me formulate some kind of structured presentation. 3 years later I connected with an old boyfriend, we became great friends and he encouraged my wisdom and creativity. 6 months later he became my business partner and CEO of our company. Within our 5 year plan he saw a book and speaking engagements. I accepted the vision and birthed the book.
-Why do you think it is so difficut for some of us to be single and comfortable in that season of our lives?
We were made to be in companionship. I like to tell people being alone is ok, but how much more can you accomplish as a team? I have learned in this season, I can be single without being alone. I live my life everyday with the expectation of meeting the right person. When you accept that you are alone you perpetuate loneliness.
-How does someone bounce back from a failed relationship and allow themselves to open their heart up again? Ahhhh, great question. I get asked this question the most. The answer is simple really, face reality and take responsibility. We love to play the blame game. Heartache is never our fault. How could it be, right? Why would I place myself “willingly” in harms way? For the greatest love story never told. Relationships take work and no one is willing to do it. The reality is, you opened your heart and trusted, willingly. You accepted the persons faults and accomplishments, willingly. You understood or miss understood them, willingly. Now there is an irreconcilable difference and your not so willing. It’s a cop out. Unless there is abuse, the differences can be worked out. If you “willingly” bowed out. Accept that, make the necessry adjustment to not repeat, then CHOOSE to launch.

-Describe the relationship you were in that influenced the writing of this book?
Oh “KING” as he is affectionately referred to in my book, was the man I thought I needed. He was beautiful, strong, smart and sexy. He had swagg and strength. He was everything my ex husband wasn’t, at least in my imagination. LOL! What he really is was the rebound. I wanted to feel loved considered and appreciated. He spoke a great game and offered me great orgasmic pleasure. The lesson I learned was, never mistake the “one” for the “one for right now.”

-I have found that forgiving ourselves is sometimes harder than forgiving the person that has wronged us. Was it difficult to forgive and move on?
Forgiveness is a process that in most cases can not be rushed. I have practiced it a while now and it is a lot easier than when I first started.
One of the first steps to forgiveness is facing reality. I use the “face reality” quote because as women we tend to have overactive imaginations. We will interpret what a person said or did instead of just taking it at face value. This sometimes has a negative affect in our relationships.

The second step is accepting responsibility. No matter how much we want to place blame we have to accept what part we played in the situation.

The third step is forgiving ourselves. We have to let go of the blame and the shame. I like to look at myself in the mirror and tell myself i forgive her and love her and she is beautiful. I have this conversation with myself naked and until I believed it. It used to take hours and I would cry EVERY time. NOW, it takes a few minutes and I giggle with myself. I am my own best supporter and I love me some me!

The fourth step is release. Holding on to unforgiveness sometimes gives us a false sense of power. I realized the person we haven’t forgiven has usually forgotten all about what they did and never cared how they made us feel. Meanwhile we are stuck with the weight of it. NO WAY!! Let that crap go and be FREE!! Forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to be friends with the person it means you can be free of the person. And isn’t that what we want.
-What is one peice of advice that you would give to those who are in that season of “singleness”?
Forgive and try again. Never give up on love, it’s like saying your not worthy and I know you are.
-Where can we get our copy of “The Official Rules of Being Single”?
You can purchase the book at my social media networking site www.UrbanLasVegas.com or any online bookstore
-I know you wear multiple hats, what other projects are you currently working on?
WOW!! Let’s see… My book has offered opportunities for me to become a public speaker. I am enjoying this most… we also have “Singles University” which is a workshop we are starting to train men and women how to date and enjoy meeting each other.
-Can we expect another book in the future?
I am working on my next book now… I will keep it a secret, but you can expect it in 2013
Thank you so much for your time A’esha! You can connect with A’esha Goins here:
Make sure to get your copy of “The Official Rules to Being Single”
Apr 24 2012

HE Met Me At The Well

I might as well continue on the path that I’ve been on.  I messed up big time and nothing or no one can fix this mess that I’ve created.  I’ve done things that I can’t even tell my closest friend(s).  I can’t even bring myself to write my struggles on the pages of my journal.  I’ve been hanging skeletons in my closest for years and one more sure wouldn’t hurt.  My heart is heavy and full of shame.

I don’t know about you, but for years this replayed over and over in my mind, until it got deep down in my heart.  I was convinced that I wasn’t worthy of being forgiven and was too full of shame to even ask for prayer.  But each time a skeleton was added to my closest, a piece of me died with it.  The enemy comes but to kill, steal and destroy.  The shame that the enemy planted robbed me of a life that God had promised.  But I am so thankful he took out some time with me at the well.

I was tired of self-inflicting pain to cover up the guilt and shame of yesterdays mistakes.  I was seeking truth and healing.  When I got honest with Him, He got honest with me.  Lord I don’t know why I can’t forgive.  Why am I looking for love in all the wrong places or why I am looking for an answer at the bottom of that bottle?  He told me I had been trying to fix things on my own long enough.  The hardest thing for me to do was to surrender the hurt, rejection and bitterness over to Him.

Some things we just have to get over and stop trying to go through.  Forgiveness requires us to get over “it”.  Forgiveness is an act of surrendering, surrendering the bitterness, judgement and hurt over to God and believing that in the end all things will work together for your good.  The more I began to drink from the well, the lighter my load became.  The shame of my past could no longer bind me.  I find myself back at that well often.  I’m just thankful that now I know where to go and He continues to meet me each and every time.

“The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” John 4:28-29

Sep 23 2011

Death Row

Yesterday evening, we witnessed the death of a man, Troy Davis, that may or may not have been guilty of the crimes committed.  Today, though some continue to mention the issues that plague our legal system, most have gone back to their day to day.  As I thought about the issues at hand,  one thing struck me, so many people live their day to day lives on “Death Row“, awaiting their day of execution.

So many people wake up each morning with nothing to live for, no dreams to pursue and lack any ambition or motivation to change their circumstances.  Do we stand up and fight for them?  We have a system, which has developed an industry out of the heinous acts and crimes committed, that preys on the illiteracy of our youth and adults and consistently gives hand outs while never helping to lift up.   Our system does not provide rehabilitation, but a training ground to be a better thief, liar and criminal.

“How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the person of the wicked? Selah.  Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.  Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.”  Psalm 82:3  I wake up everyday fighting for these individuals to have clemency and be granted a second chance at life.  I let them know that the decisions that were made by their mother or father do not have to be the same decisions they make for their own lives.  I tell those that are seeking change to forgive themselves of their past and start taking the necessary steps towards a brighter future.  

So many complain and desire to see change, but never put themselves in a position to influence the change they desire.   We have a system that sustains generational curses and deficiencies.  Now is the time for the “Church” to takes its rightful place.  It is a season of healing, a season that strongholds and generational curses will be broken.  Now is the time to walk in our power.  “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; an if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”  Mark 16:17-18

What can you do today, that will influence change tomorrow?!?

Aug 9 2011

Starting From Forgiveness

5 Kids and 10 years later, I would be lying if I told you it was or has been easy to move on.  Yes, I forgave.  I let go of all the bitterness and gave the pain over to the Lord to heal.  But does that erase the memory or the thoughts of what could have been?  He went his way, I went mine.  Separated by an entire state, we have no interaction, just phone calls to check on the kids.  When he got out of line, I wouldn’t answer, but avoidance does not equal deliverance.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, EPH 6:12

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood…it is not the physical presence or the phone calls that create the problem.  I can avoid a ringing phone and distance can minimize the physical contact but only deliverance can free one of the spirit that seeks to kill, steal and destroy.  Deliverance deals with the principalities, powers, spirits, etc.  So when I encounter that which I was avoiding and haven’t been delivered from that spirit, I can be overtaken by that spirit.

Paul said, I must die daily (1 Corinthians 15:31) I must stay in prayer, continue in my word and rebuke the flesh that desires to sin.  I am trusting and believing God for my deliverance, not wavering but after doing all that I can, I will STAND.

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May 25 2011

This Ole Journey

I would lend you my shoes, but they’re a little worn.
You see the path was laid before me, but I didn’t listen to those who had warned.

I would lend you my hand, but it is already over extended.
You see my heart was placed in the hands of the man for whom it was never intended.

What do you need from me? Whatever you need I don’t think I’m ready to give.
See I’ve been hurt many times, and I’ve forgotten how to forgive.

I would give you my friendship, but I’m not ready to lead.
You see there were so many warnings, but I didn’t take heed.

I would lend you my ear, but I failed to listen.
You see I have realized that a lot of the lessons taught I had been missing.

What do you need from me? Whatever you need, I don’t think I’m ready to give.
But I will paint you a picture of my journey, if its only through my testimony that you shall not die but live.

Original Poem ~ Rhachelle Nicol’