Tag Archives: ministry

Feb 25 2013

Preachers’ Daughters: New Lifetime Reality Series

Preachers-DaughtersReality TV does not appear to be going away anytime soon.  However, the story lines and the cast are sure changing.  If the church community didn’t get their feathers ruffled enough with The Sisterhood, I wonder what the response will be to the new Lifetime series, Preachers’ Daughters.  The series is set to premiere March 12th.  Here is a brief description of what we can expect as viewers:

Teaching kids right from wrong may take a village…except when it takes a congregation! Lifetime will premiere its provocative new family docuseries “Preachers’ Daughters,” following the lives of three families for a behind-the-altar look at what happens at home after the sermon concludes, on Tuesday, March 12, at 10pm ET/PT. Produced by Thinkfactory Media (multiple Golden Globe® Award and Emmy®-nominated miniseries “Hatfields & McCoys” and family docusoap “Gene Simmons Family Jewels“), “Preachers’ Daughters” reveals a hard-hitting but often humorous look at the lives of these pastors’ daughters as they balance the temptations every teenager faces with their parents’ strict expectations and code of conduct as influenced by their faith. What happens will change these families forever, and surprise viewers with this unvarnished peek into their lives and the universal issues all households with teenagers face daily.

This particular series for me hits home.  At the age of 11, I became a preacher’s kid or a “PK”.  It was one of the hardest transitions in my life.  It changed everything at home and even public expectations changed.  I was always a well behaved child and your typical “daddy’s girl” but everything changed and even the relationship with my father changed.  So much time that used to be spent with our family was divided with the members of the church and not to mention my father was also the Chief Adjutant to the Bishop.  At some point, I rebelled.  I began doing everything that I knew I shouldn’t have been doing.  No one noticed because no one was around.

I definitely do not feel all “PKs” are “bad” but balance is definitely important.  Pastors spend so much time pouring into their congregation and giving to the ministry that their own families and children can be or feel neglected.  I hope “Preachers’ Daughters” is a true to life look into the life of a “PK” and not a glamorized Hollywood depiction.  I will definitely be watching and will give a review.

Have you liked the Showing Our Scars Facebook Page? We are “Showing Our Scars”!

https://www.facebook.com/ShowingOurScarsMovement

You can also order your “My Scars” Tee!

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Find out more about the story behind “My Scars”

Sunday Mourning

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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!

Sep 24 2012

I Have A Confession

Cancer (Confession album)

Cancer (Confession album) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Have you ever just done something because it felt right? Then the more and more you continue to do it you realize that you can’t imagine yourself not doing it. Well, that’s exactly how I feel about blogging and writing. Initially, my goal was just to write and be consistent. I wanted to reflect and rediscover a hidden passion but the more I did just that, I realized I wanted more.

I want more, matter of fact, I have always wanted more. I guess you can say I am my greatest competition or worst critic. As a blogger, I felt like I was playing it safe. I was free to come and go as I pleased. I even rambled at times when I didn’t know what to say. But at some point, something changed. Actually, everything changed. My goals are not just to write and be consistent anymore. I want to be a leader in what I do, influential and have an impact. I want to create a platform to support others in their ministry. I am clear about what I want and I am confident that God will continue to lead me as I follow.

Writing has been instrumental in my process. Through writing, I found my healing, released my hurts and those things which once caused me shame. I can’t thank God enough for the vision He has given me and the confidence to see it through; I must be obedient. “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’m no longer fighting but submitting to what God would have me to do. “I show my scars so that others know they can heal” and writing has alllowed me to do just that.

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Sep 17 2012

Wanza Leftwich: Faith and Fertility

I may not know much about infertility but I do know about the power of prayer and standing on God’s word.  I am so happy to welcome Wanza Leftwich, author of Faith and Fertility.  She has an awesome testimony to share!
1. How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing for twelve years now. Isn’t amazing how fast time goes by!

2. What genre best describes your writing?
My fiction genre is classified as Urban Christian Fiction – the tell it like it is, no holds barred type of Christian writing that depicts real people serving a real God. I also write non-fiction which tends to have the type of impact – writing that is real, transparent andaimed at helping others.

3. What inspired your most recent book?
My most recent book was inspired by my personal life. Faith and Fertility: All Things Are Possible comes directly from my heart. It is about my experience through infertility and how God enabled me to get rid of an infertility defeated mindset.

4. Was it difficult to write on the subject?
Honestly, it was not difficult to write, but i find that the content may be challenging to women who are suffering through infertility. It is not written to keep women in despair or sadness. It gives hope and encourages the reader to activate their faith and believe for the impossible.

5. On twitter, you go by @TheGospelWriter. How did you come up with that name?

Can you believe I recently gave up that name as my twitter handle? I absolutely loved that name. When I first began writing I was taught that you should have a brand. The Gospel Writer became my name because I write about the Gospel of Jesus Christ Be it fiction and non-fiction, I encourage readers to grow in their walk with Christ. Recently, I’ve changed my twitter handle to my name @WanzaLeftwich to represent the brand that is evolving now.

6. How do you balance writing your own books and novels with editing those of others?
I am learning to not take on more than I can handle :-) . Basically, I schedule my clients according to the deadlines that I have. I try not overload my schedule. This works best for me and my clients. I able to meet my deadlines and my clients receive the personal attention that their books deserves.

7. What is the one thing that you would tell someone who is interested in writing a book but has some reservations?
Just write! Get it all out of your system. Don’t worry about editing, grammar or structure. Get it on paper. Let your thoughts flow. Let your heart speak freely. You will be surprised what comes out. Most importantly, don’t be fearful. Someone needs your words.

8. Who motivated you and have you that extra push to begin writing?
I was motivated by my sister in law who self published three books. She told me what I tell people everyday – “just write”. As simple as it sounds, it works. I’m motivated to keep writing when I hear that someone’s life has been changed because of my words.

9. What can we expect from you in the near future?
I’m glad that you asked! I am headed in a new direction. My book Faith and Fertility has ushered me into a new area. With the launch of my
new site(in a few days), www.wanzaleftwich.com, my mission is to encourage women struggling with infertility to overcome it with faith.
I have a series of courses coming out including, the Infertility Defeated Mindset Bootcamp. And of course, you can expect another book, Infertility Defeated.

10. Any last words?
Thank you so much for this interview. I’ve truly enjoyed it! As always, you and your readers can connect with me socially on
www.Twitter.com/wanzaleftwich or www.facebook.com/wanzaleftwich

Get your copy of Faith and Fertility at amazon.com available in paperback and on Kindle!

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Sep 4 2012

Joshua Rogers: Sunday Best Season 5 Winner

This past Sunday, Joshua Rogers not only became the first male to win the title “Sunday Best” but also the youngest. Sunday Best, a gospel music competition aired on BET, provides a platform within the gospel industry for singers to showcase their talent. We were given the opportunity this season to witness two young, skillful singers grow and evolve right before our eyes in Joshua Rogers and Alexis Spight. It is exciting to say the least to witness two young singers on fire for God and sharing their gift with the world.

As the winner of Sunday Best, Joshua Rogers will receive a national recording contract with Music World Gospel, amongst other prizes. Music World is operated by Matthew Knowles, the father of Beyonce Knowles. Music World represents various gospel artist including last season’s Sunday Best winner Amber Bullock, Season 3 winner LeAndria Johnson, Juanita Bynum and more. As of recent, it has been made known by a few source(s) that some of the artist are not happy with the label and are moving on.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this season and only wish Joshua the best. Joshua remember to keep God first and keep singing for the Lord.

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Le'Andria Johnson
Aug 1 2012

Le’Andria Johnson: Sooner or Later

Over the past few months, I have read and heard various comments made about the Sunday Best Season 3 Grammy Award winner, Le’Andria Johnson.  A lot of the comments being made were very judgemental and hurtful.  I can only imagine what her thoughts may be as she reads them.  Many of you have made statements alluding to her sitting down while she is pregnant and some have just been downright vulgar.

When I first heard about the artist expecting a child out of wedlock, just like most of you, I was a little disappointed.  But I then had to take a look back over my own life.  You see at one point I stood in the same shoes as Le’Andria.  No, my platform was no where close to hers but I was serving the Lord the best way I knew how and ministering through writing.  I had started a Christian Newsletter in my hometown and I knew that was what God wanted me to do.  After 6 months of publishing the monthly newsletter, I became pregnant.  I was overtaken by the guilt and shame of it all.  I didn’t have to be sat down, I ran.   You see it was easier for me to run from God and hide my face than to ask for forgiveness and continue to move forward with the plans that God had for my life.  Just like Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden, it is easier to run and hide than it is to stand.  I ran from the very protection and covering that I had in my life.

Le’Andria could have very well ran and even sat down as some of you suggested, but that’s easy.  But standing tall and admitting one’s faults before man is what is hard.  Her ministry is still touching lives and God is still getting all of the glory through her life.  We have to be careful of the judgement that we put off on people.  We do not know the relationship that she has with the Lord.  The enemy will use the very aspect of your life that causes you to live in shame and fear to keep you from fulfilling the purpose that God has for your life.  But we also know that perfect love cast out all fear.  So when she says, “I am still here” it is not out of arrogance but she is telling the enemy what you tried to destroy me with in the past, won’t work.  I am so thankful that we serve a God of a second chance.  The very ministry that I ran from is the very ministry that He is blessing me in today.  It’s been a little over two years since I decided to start writing again and God has opened so many doors.  Just recently I was featured in the newspaper and then I was asked to become a writer for the paper.

Le’Andria I commend you and I continue to pray for you.  Thank you for continuing to stand because sooner or later God is going to turn it all around.

“Building relationships of accountability and trust with all roads leading to love.” ~RATL

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Jun 15 2012

Sharing is Caring…

When I am not writing, I am typically reading.  I often make sure to leave comments on the sites I visit and share the information I come across.  Well today, I feel like I struck gold.  I came across a blog post titled 50 Simple Ways to Advance Your Ministry on the Internet and I was blown away.  So many valuable ways that I hadn’t even considered (until now).  Here are the first 25:

  1. Share Jesus
  2. Make observations
  3. Question things you don’t understand
  4. State your position
  5. Blog
  6. Challenge the status quo
  7. Present alternate views
  8. Offer your perspective
  9. Provide commentary and share insights
  10. Grapple with and unpack complex issues
  11. React to what you’ve seen, read or heard
  12. Challenge opposing positions
  13. Ponder big ideas
  14. Give props to people or organizations
  15. Launch an initiative
  16. Specify details
  17. Resolve problems
  18. Vlog
  19. Offer solutions
  20. Inspire spiritual growth
  21. Compile resources
  22. Leave comments to stimulate conversation
  23. Invite action
  24. Give tech support
  25. Share videos you like

Do you have any ideas of what the other 25 may include?  What ways are working for you?

For more visit http://resonateordie.com

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Jun 9 2012

The Breaking Process

“If I clean my room can I…I’ll wash the dishes…I just took out the garbage…now can I” I hear this quite often in my home when my children are trying to convince me that they need to go somewhere or get some thing that they just can’t live without. In an attempt to get there way, they do what they think will help them to plead there case. The problem is, chores, helping out and following rules are not bartering tools and when they are used as such they never get done until something is desired. Then as parents we have to say no more often than we were in order to get them back on track, the breaking process. Sometimes the “no’s” hurt us more than they hurt our children. I had to watch my son break down in tears because I refused to give in to his request, even after he had cleaned his room, took out the garbage, swept the floor, etc. But there was a greater opportunity for a lesson to be taught, at that moment we were both learning something. What I was able to teach him was more natural, but I learned something spiritual.

Sometimes we can become spiritual brats. As we grow in Christ, we can sometimes get accustomed to having our way. We start out with so much fire and zeal. Attending service regularly, paying our tithes, fasting and praying, I can remember how excited I was to be back in fellowship with God. Sometimes we forget that doing all those things is not what gets God’s attention but rather our faith. So then we find ourselves in a situation and we are saying, “Lord I fasted… I prayed…I gave my last in offering…I attend church regularly” And the Lord is saying but where is your faith. “And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.” Matthew 8:26

Sometimes we as Christians have to also go through the breaking process. We have to get to that place where we know and believe that God can and will do just what he said he would do. So sometimes he has to say no, even after the fasting and praying. I can only imagine how it makes him feel when he has to deny his child in the midst of the trials and suffering. We can get so stuck in the routine and used to having our way but our attitude and heart are far from honoring and serving God. We have been broken to serve not because we are desiring anything but because we realize that if it had not been for the Lord who was on our side where would we be.

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Jun 4 2012

Just In The Nick Of Time

The year started off promising.  I was clear on the vision that God has given.  I had made an outline of the goals I desired to achieve.  I even had a clear vision of each event that would happen and the message shared.  So what happened? I’m still not sure but I definitely feel that God is working some things out and I know that He is faithful to step in just at the nick of time.

When God first gave me the vision of Mother 2 Mother CDC, I was excited but at the same time terrified.  I didn’t think that little ole me could carry it out.  It seemed too big.  But I was obedient.  Little did I know, I would be tested on just about every issue, burden, let down and the list goes on, that the mothers that I was called to serve would experience.   I understand now that it is more than just telling someone that they can make it or just hold, but you have to be willing to teach them how to pick up their cross.

I have had many people tell me to hold on that have never experienced anything close to what I have endured.  It got personal for me.  I have to be able to do and say a lot more than hold on, when a mother has no food in her cabinets and no money to buy any.  Or when the lights have been turned off and you have to make the decision to sit in the dark or be homeless.  Or when everyone that said they were for you, walks out on you.

What do you tell her…

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

“I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Ephesians 3:20

I will tell her that I am holding on with her.  I am standing in the gap for her.  And my God WILL show up just in the nick of time.

“Building relationships of accountability and trust with all roads leading to love.” ~ RATL

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Mar 16 2012

Why I Can…Why We Will…

Many times we focus on all the reasons why we can’t do something.  “I’m behind on the bills.” Or a very common reason, “I don’t have the time”.  These limiting thoughts will do just that, limit you.  They will keep you behind on your bills and out of time, pushing your dreams further and further away.  I made every excuse in the book to self sabotage all my dreams and aspirations.  The truth was, I was afraid.  But today, I celebrate a dream that has been a long time coming.  My goal is not to make it look easy, but reassure you that it is possible.

The other day as I was sitting at my desk, preparing for this day and launch, a scripture hit me.   “And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:17-20  That promise alone makes any situation or circumstance seem so small.

I thank God that he placed people in my life along this journey to encourage me, motivate me and keep me inspired.  I also thank God for my 5 little cheerleaders.  My children have been my greatest motivation, they deserve the world and I am going to do my best to give it to them.  There have been so many reasons for me to give up, but I thank God for giving me just one to hold on.

RN Brand & Design is more than just the Tees that have been designed, but a vision that allows me to extend my reach, share my message and help others do the same.  “I can, I will, I am…We, can, We will, We are…with God all things are possible”.  So this is what I want you to do next:

1.  Write those dreams down; an unwritten vision is still a dream until you take a pen to a paper.

2.  Even if it’s just one word, write it down, meditate on it and revisit it as often as you must until you receive clarity.

3.  Then by all means, act on it.  Do whatever you can and believe that your help is on the way.

I know it may sound easy, but you and I both know it takes work.  That is why RN Brand & Design wants to be there each step of the way.  An RN by profession, is usually the first one you see when you are sick and the last one to send you on your way to recovery.  I don’t know about you, but I’ve lost a lot and I am on the road to recovery, believing God for double for my trouble.

In a week, RN Brand & Design Store will launch and you all will be receiving a special invite.  If you have subscribed to my blog or previously purchased an item, you are already on our VIP list.  And if you haven’t subscribed or haven’t decided on a tee, what are you waiting on?!?  “My Scars” has been our topseller, someone needs to see your scars.  Get your’s today! God Bless.

We have work to do…let’s go!!!