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Cynthia Jones - "Soulology"

www.CynthiaJones.com

One of the hardest things I had to learn to do was to relish life without feeling guilty.  I thought being a Christian women meant that I had to live a restricted life, can’t do this, & can’t do that.  But eventually I realized the opposite is true, that there is a lot of liberty in being a woman in the Lord!

 We can enjoy life and utilize the services of this world without being corrupted by them.  The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof remember.  Of course, we have to be selective about what we expose ourselves to.  We are commanded to keep guard over our hearts and mind, not to love, or lust after the things in this world.  As Godly women we must always maintain an attitude of reverence for God and respect for self.  But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, you shall be holy for I am holy.”  1Peter 1:15-16

Many times we as women get lost in other peoples definition of who we are and what we are supposed to be and do.  If it’s not our parents, it’s the husband or the children and let’s not forget about the job or career.  As if that’s not enough television, radio broadcasts and advertisements are endeavoring to program us into believing stereotypical hype.

When I was growing up during the 50’s and 60’s the goals for girls from low income homes were to be a good homemaker and wife.  So in high school we had classes like Home Economics and Millinery shop.  After school we honed these skills either at home or helping mother with her domestic chores, cleaning other people’s houses. In the 70’s we became liberated and learned how to be efficient secretaries, working in typing pools.  But then, I really got enlightened!

When I got saved in my late thirties I recognized I was no longer the person I thought I was; I wasn’t just a mother, wife and co-worker.  I found out my Heavenly Father is a king!  That was my defining moment and I’ve been a non-conformist ever since!  Once that reality set in I got rid of the old paradigms that I was programmed to follow.

Habits are so embedded in our subconscious and many times we walk around with the cruise control on, habitually going about our day.  Our belief system is cemented in tradition and other peoples expectations and dictates, how dare we challenge that self-imposed authority.  When other peoples opinion of us take credence over what God says about us then we’ve given those people control.

The same is true when we follow societies trends, fashion and otherwise.  When we become ashamed of our nappy hair, and thick lips to the point that we conform to an image that’s acceptable to people who are going to have to answer to the same God, regardless of what they believe; we’ve given them control over our life.  We become people pleasers instead of God pleasers.  When we detest our dark skinned sister because black is no longer beautiful, we’ve given them control.  When we’re ashamed of our own blackness that we Revlon shades so light that we don’t even recognize ourselves, then we’ve given power to powerless people. When we can’t embrace our own sisterhood because we’re trying to cross over, then we’re contributing to the decline of a royal nation of chosen people.

Sisters we do not have to cop out, sell out or drop out.  It is not necessary for us to let it all hang out to the point that we measure our worth by society’s scales.  Take pride in your African heritage and don’t be ashamed of your spiritual prowess.  Come to your Father; as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God.

1 Peter 2:4

I received this covenant sometime ago from a friend and I’d like to share it with you.

My Covenant with God

Since the Word of God is my authority, I choose to be a woman of God, not a woman of this culture.  I submit my life entirely to the Word of God and the will of God.

I choose to be a woman of purity.    

From this day forward, I will guard my mind from ungodly forces and choose the ways of God rather than the ways of the world.

I choose to be a woman of favor.

I receive my esteem from Jesus and His grace in my life and not from anything or anyone else in this world.

I choose to be a woman of promise.

I will read the Word of God, listen to the Word of God, ignoring the loud voices in my culture.

I choose to be a woman of miracles.

I put my trust in the God of How, who relieves me of all my anxieties, and will do the impossible in me and through me.

I choose to be a woman of faith.

For the rest of my life I will not live by what I see or by how I feel, but I will live by faith in Jesus alone.

Therefore …

With my all, I magnify the Lord, entering into this covenant with God, knowing He will do great things for me.  I rejoice that the Lord is with me.  For with God nothing shall be impossible!  

Remember ladies; the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, so enjoy.  But do it with elegance!

 Please feel free to contact me as well at Tafui@verizon.net.

 Peace

Your sister in the Lord

 Tafui

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Hello my name is Damien Prout, Founder & President of Blackopps Entertainment.  I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Inspire - The e-magazine.  Blackopps Entertainment is very proud to create and launch such a wonderful and fulfilling endeavor.  Our goal is to provide our Christian viewers with the best in contemporary Christian Entertainment, Information and Inspiration.

Our "Inspiration" for this site was the many, many email requests that we have received over the years from our loyal viewers who were seeking a "non-secular" alternative.  I must also acknowledge the one person who has inspired me through my life and career.  He's my true brother....my "GB" GOD Brother forever... Pastor Billy Thomas Russell of the Bible Way Christian Fellowship Ministries and to all of the Pastors, Preachers, Mothers, Deacons and Sisters and Brothers that I have met along the way who have inspired me, chastised me, raised me, prayed for me and forgiven me....These words are true and this site is my gift to you.

PASSIONS TOUR 2006

Click Here For More Info.

 A NEW PLAY OF LIFE’S TRANSFORMATION

Butterfly Wings:  Claudine’s Story

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         CONTACT:   April Mial919.749.1254

lilacfilms@yahoo.com

[Durham, North Carolina] – Lilac Films and Butterfly Wings, LLC present “Butterfly Wings: Claudine’s Story”, a gospel production that promises to spiritually transform its audience from fear to flight. 

 “Butterfly Wings: Claudine’s Story” [www.butterflywingsllc.com/theplay] follows the story of Claudine Speller over a particular weekend. During that time, her life is transformed from a caterpillar to a butterfly.  For years, she had been straddling the fence, living a comfortable life of chasing men, money and worldly things.  Her parents, devout Christians, have planted seeds in her life to show her that Christ is the answer to true happiness.  Finally, when Claudine listens, she finds true happiness in her life.

 The cast includes Curtis Blake of the “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” stage play and National Recording Artist, William Becton, who’s song “Be Encouraged” is one of the most requested and uplifting songs on the radio.  The production also introduces Connie McCoy, a Cary native, as the main character ‘Claudine’.

 April Mial, president of Lilac Films [www.lilacfilms.com], which produces movies that do not contain any nudity, violence or profanity with the goal of bringing families back to the movies, is the Executive Producer.  Reverend Shirrell McNeill is the original playright and investor, who’s outreach ministry is of the same name.  Dan A. R. Kelly, the director, is a Greensboro native and a graduate from The North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem.  He brings to the production, experience and humor.  The musical team, headed by Reginald Jessup, consists of musicians and composures with jazz, gospel and R&B backgrounds.  These shows will be taped live, so that the audience will be given the opportunity to be a part of history.

 The production will run Friday, October 27, 2006 (8pm) and Saturday, October 28, 2006 (2pm/8pm).  Both shows are at The Carolina Theatre in Durham, North Carolina.  The event will be hosted by Gayle Hurd (Radio One- Raleigh) and Selena Crudup (HOT 95).   For a synopsis of the gospel production, to purchase tickets and to learn more about Butterfly Wings LLC, visit the outreach ministry’s website at www.butterflywingsllc.com/theplay.

McNeill states, "I would encourage the community to come out, purchase tickets, and encourage your friends and family to support this type of gospel production.  I guarantee that you will be uplifted and leave different than when you entered." 

Showtimes – Butterfly Wings: Claudine’s Story

Friday, October 27^, 2006 (8pm) and Saturday, October 28, 2006 (2pm & 8pm)

* LIVE TAPING AT SHOWS for DVD Distribution *

The Carolina Theatre of Durham (www.carolinatheatre.org)  309 W. Morgan Street, Durham, NC)

Tickets - $22 (advance) and $25 (door)

Lyrical Testimony

GOD WANTED ME TO TELL YOU

It shall be well with you from this day forth. No matter how much your enemies try this year, they will not succeed. You have been destined to make it and you shall surely achieve all your goals this year. For the remaining months of the year, all your agonies will be diverted and victory and prosperity will be incoming in abundance. Today God has confirmed the end of your sufferings sorrows and pains because HE sits on the throne and has remembered you. He has taken away the hardships and given you JOY. He will never let you down. I knocked at heaven's door this morning and God asked me, "My child! What can I do for you?"

And I said, "Father, please protect and bless the person reading this message." God smiled and answered, "Request granted."

Have a Blessed Day

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