Diamonds In The Light
Compiled by Jewel Williams
Copyright 2011 Jewel Williams
Smashwords Edition
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Copyrights for each story are held by their respective authors. Definitions taken from Houghton Mifflin. The American Heritage High School Dictionary. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1997.
Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
Scripture taken from New Living Translation Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)
All other biblical quotes referenced by Jewel Williams are from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. (Public Domain)
ISBN-13: 978-1-4661-3191-0
Edited by: Hallagen Ink (www.HallagenInk.com)
Cover Design by: Tyora Moody/Tywebbin.com
Jeweled Ministries
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Challenges Birth Opportunities
What If Jesus Had Not Been Born?
A Message from the Founder of Jeweled Ministries
Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
—Matthew 5:14–16 (The Message)
PURPOSE
Diamonds in the Light is truly a book that is for all of the precious, priceless gems that are among us. They are women who have that sparkle in their eye to move forward and see that they are to live with faith and strength. They are everyday people just like you and me, and they are truly Reigning Jewels.
Reigning Jewels (also known as Inspirational Jewels) began with a simple book review. This book review was to reach just a few people; however, it reached many women who were drawn and connected to the words that its author had to say. Then, it continued to grow with other book reviews and other women and other encouraging words, all through a simple blog. Little did I know, these women were not just authors, but true inspirational wordsmiths who were talented beyond measure.
The title of reigning jewels didn’t really form until several months later. The ladies who were recognized for their talents were showcased as Inspirational Jewels on Jeweled Ministries’ BlogTalkRadio show, and as mentioned, in the blog. These women represent Jeweled Ministries with the title Reigning Jewels for two simple reasons. The first is from 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV), “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” Second, we are precious priceless gems. There is no one like us and even our DNA is different from each other. That is the way that the Lord intended for us to be; we are to be the light that He has called for us to be, and we are to shine.
The title of this book, Diamonds in the Light, reminds me of what it takes to be considered a diamond. All of the physical jewels in the world are mined and their purity is determined before they can achieve the name of a diamond, sapphire, ruby, etc. A diamond must be pure in nature and must meet specific qualifications. These ladies have met the ultimate qualification of being Christian; they truly work (mine) daily to reach many other women. They use the “light”—God’s word—as their guide.
The way that these women have been honored is through two categories: (1) A Leading Lady—A Christian Woman Leader who is making a difference in her community. She has a passion to live the word of God and work according to His word; and (2) an Author Spotlight—A self-published Christian woman author who could also have Leading Lady qualities, but has the written work and the desire to market their upcoming book or event. However, all ladies are considered jewels regardless of the category they represented.
Each lady has one or more of the following characteristics: leadership qualities; a role model by creating positive change in her industry; has a clear vision that others can see and that makes a difference in the lives of others; donates her time or resources within her community in charitable work; expressed academic talents by publishing an e-book, e-zine, book, or other publication, or teaches via teleconferences, workshops, or classes to enhance one’s knowledge; and/or excels and displays modesty, creativity, thankfulness, and self-discipline in her actions.
They have shared their gifts in so many ways that women nationally and internationally have begun to follow their websites, attend conferences in which they appear, and have listened to their shows to learn more about how they can expound on their own gifts and grow as a woman leader. The ten ladies include: Renee Bobb, Cheryl Lacey Donovan, Sarah Grant, Paulette Harper Johnson, Nancy “Nan” Trammell Jones, Stephanie L. McKenny, Wanda Mays Noel, Cheryl Pullins, and Melody Ravert.
Several of these ladies have shared their words in Diamonds in the Light. Their writings include a personal testimony, story, or poem to give encouragement to other women. In their work they demonstrate that you don’t have to have a fancy title, book, or media platform to be a Reigning Jewel; you can just live by the Word and continue to have faith in all that you do. The true blueprint of life is not even known until you put your trust in Him.
May these women continue to shine in His light and reach others through their written work to encourage, uplift, and empower.
Be the Light and Shine,
Jewel Williams
TAG YOU’RE IT!
By Cheryl Lacey Donovan
After the death of Moses, the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, and Moses’ assistant. He said: Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. I promise you what I promised Moses: “Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon Mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.” No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.
Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
—Joshua 1:1-9 (New Living Translation)
As God’s representatives, we are called to share the Good News. However, many of us have failed at this calling. We fancy ourselves undercover Christians—we’re saved but nobody can tell it. We work at blending in with everyone, doing everything the world does. We murmur and complain and shirk our duties as Christians, and wonder why our lives remain the same.
A lot of us just pass people off to their church thinking that we’ve done what we’re suppose to do. Not So! The works of church leaders are to train or equip the saints of the church for the work of the ministry.
The children of Israel were a lot like that. They had been delivered from Egypt with the help of Moses, God’s servant. Yet a journey that should’ve taken them only a few days lasted forty years. Why? Because of their rebellion and disobedience. They refused to see the glass half full, choosing only to see it half empty. All they could envision was what they had while in Egypt. They were at the brink of their breakthrough, but they remained in bondage to the familiar. They were unwilling to let go of the past and trust God for their future.
We, too, find ourselves in bondage to the past. Our inability to let go keeps many of us from witnessing the manifestation of God’s promises for our lives. Standing at the brink of our breakthrough, we never quite make it because we are in our way.
We, too, behave much like Moses who never made it to the “Promised Land” even though he was a good servant. Why? Because he couldn’t totally forgive. He had to give God’s people one last piece of his mind. He couldn’t resist the temptation of letting them know exactly how he felt about their disobedience and their incessant complaining. However, this was not God’s instruction to Moses. Because of his disobedience in a time of testing, Moses never made it to the ultimate destination God intended.
Enter Joshua who has now been charged by God to lead His people. What were God’s instructions? To be strong and courageous, two attributes no leader should be without because the enemy is on his job twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year seeking to derail God’s plans in the earth. Strength and courage were so important that God mentions them three times. He knew how difficult it would be for Joshua to lead a rebellious, disobedient people to the land God had promised.
Secondly, God tells Joshua to meditate on His Word because without it, it is impossible to know God’s will. You will never know what God wants if you don’t know His Word. The word meditate means “to dwell on in thought; to ponder; to bring before the mind’s eye; to turn and roll over in the mind.” When you focus and meditate on God’s Word, you position yourself to receive clear instruction from Him concerning His will for your life! You can do this by reading, hearing, and confessing the Word of God daily! By keeping it before your eyes, in your ears, and on your tongue, you align your thoughts and actions to His thoughts and actions! Because you will be in alignment with Him, meditation on the Word of God will cause you to be prosperous and have good success.
Lastly, God reminds Joshua that obedience will lead to the manifestation, which is the possession of the land God had promised. A true leader is never only a hearer of the Word; they are a doer of the Word. They cannot be more interested in the world than in their relationship to God. The heart of a Christian leader cannot be fixed on Christianity as a business, but must be fixed on the will of God.
God has a big plan for each of our lives. We are all leaders in our own right, but the only way we can expect to possess the land God has promised is to be strong and courageous, to meditate on His Word, and to be obedient when He speaks. We cannot be conformed to this world but we must be transformed by the renewing of our minds. When we have transformed our thinking to incorporate the instructions God has given in Joshua 1:1–9, we are then ready to do and become all God wants us to be.
A Display of His Splendor
By Sarah Grant
Do you know that you are a display of His splendor?
Did you survive the physical, emotional, and mental abuse?
You are a display of His splendor.
Did you survive the molestation from your childhood?
You are a display of His splendor.
Did you survive through the alcoholism and drug abuse?
You are a display of His splendor.
Did you survive the rejection of your parents or spouse?
You are a display of His splendor.
Did you survive the car accident?
You are a display of His splendor.
Did you survive cancer?
You are a display of His splendor.
If you are alive today and survived the things that happened to you,
You are a display of His splendor.
ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you—rise to a new]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!
—Isaiah 60:1 (AMP)
MOVING FORWARD
By Paulette Harper Johnson
I remember like it was yesterday. I woke up, realizing that life was not going to be the same. The life I once knew was in the past. Everything that I valued prior to my divorce was removed. The relationship that took twenty-three years to cultivate had been dissolved in a matter of months. How in the world could this be?
When I grew up and got married, I didn’t factor in the possibility of going through a divorce. (Who does?) I didn’t anticipate the bumps, bruises, and scars that were going to be part of this major transition that I now faced. No one told me how painful and devastating it was going to be; nor was I prepared for the path that my life would soon follow.
As co-pastor of a growing ministry, we always prayed and believed the Lord for reconciliation and healing in the lives of those whom God entrusted to our care. At this crucial and delicate stage in our ministry and marriage, as the pastors, we were now the ones in need of reconciliation and healing.
In spite of trying to reconcile, the inevitable occurred. We were headed for divorce, and now I was treading on unfamiliar territory. I didn’t know where to start, or how to begin living my life without the person I willingly gave my heart to.
Question after question started bombarding my mind. Where was I going to go? What was I going to do? Who would ever love me again? And how on earth was God going to put the fragmented pieces of my life back together?
Dealing with the feelings of despair, rejection, and many times contemplating suicide, life had turned into a meaningless existence. My desire to die often outweighed my desire to live. Was I going to give up on life and abort the purpose and plan God indeed had for me? This option seemed so much easier to accomplish. Just call it quits, end it all, and be done with all the pain and hurt.
At this stage in my life, I wasn’t quite sure what my purpose on earth was. Was I going to find the strength to continue fighting? I knew in order for me to move forward, regardless of my current conditions, I needed to fight. But how could I fight? I didn’t have the strength, the courage, or the fortitude that I preached to others.
I only had enough energy to deal with one moment at a time. Somewhere deep within, the courage to move forward with resolve was surfacing. I was determined to take it one day at a time, and to go in the direction God had for me. The courage to begin again was stronger. The passion to find out the reason and purpose for why God had chosen me to experience this turmoil was in the forefront of my mind.
Spiritually broken and overwhelmed by the turn of events, I soon realized this place of brokenness was the exact place God wanted me to be. If my faith was going to help me get through this ordeal, I needed to rely and depend on God like never before. Trusting that somehow, someway, God was going to cause what I had experienced to work out for my good and my life would be a blessing to others, the process of restoration began.
As I began to walk this journey without a partner, one thing was sure: God was with me.
Accepting this path for my life and allowing God to guide my steps, I soon found a place to call home. How would my life be different? How would my experiences matter to anyone other than myself? How could my message of hope and restoration reach women of every ethnicity and vocation?
I had no idea what God was going to do with what was left of my life, but I had to believe that my pain was not in vain. And on January 1, 2007, God answered my questions. I picked up a pen and began to write, and I have not looked back since. God was going to use my life as a testimony to help, encourage, and empower women.
My first book, That Was Then, This Is Now: This Broken Vessel Restored was released in 2008 and was a finalist for the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Award. That Was Then, This Is Now focuses on my trials, triumphs, and restoration.
That book, which is my testimony, is centered on God, who restored my life and who never gave up on this broken and scared vessel. My writing journey continues with another award winner, Completely Whole, which was released in 2010. It positioned me to become Jeweled Ministries’ 2010 Author of the Year. On October 20, 2010, I was the recipient of the AIM Literary Award. Bishop I.V. and Lady Bridget Hilliard of New Light Church World Outreach and Worship Centers, Inc. presented the prestigious award to me.
Through my writing, women from all walks of life, who are confronted with insurmountable odds, challenges, and extreme difficulties can find hope and be empowered to face whatever they are going through. If one life can be changed from my story, then every tear I shed, every trial I endured, and every test I went through was worth it all.
I’m a true witness that God uses our greatest tests and turns them into testimonies so that others may find the strength and desire to live.
As God continued to restore me and build my life anew, on June 7, 2010, I was remarried and serving once again in my rightful place in the house of God, alongside the Man of God, Tony E. Johnson!
WALK IT OUT
By Nan Trammell Jones
I stood in the midst of three hundred women from all across America. We gathered—hungry to know God and thirsty to drink from His Word. Praise filled the auditorium as sweet melodies approached His throne of grace. Spontaneously, a hush settled upon us. I stood quietly with hands stretched towards the heavens, strangely feeling solitude in the midst of the crowd. I recognized God’s presence.
“Nan,” I heard His gentle whisper. “Look about you. Do you see the scars? Can you feel the pain? Are you aware of the deep thirst that only I can satisfy?”
“Yes, Lord,” I said.
“My child, this is your life’s work—to bring the Light of My Word into their darkest night, to replenish their joy in the midst of despair. Do not worry about the timing of all this. Only walk with Me step-by-step. It will come to pass as you surrender to Me. It will come to pass as I mold you and shape you into the woman I need for My service. Do not be afraid. You are but a vessel that is broken and poured out for Me, for My glory. As I heal you and restore you, I will call you to comfort my daughters with the comfort you have received. Only be available and rest in Me. I am your source. I am Your God.”
I stood amazed. Humbled.
Today, almost twenty years later, I still stand amazed. And in my amazement I want to encourage you, a woman called of God, a woman I see lacing up her shoes ready to step out in faith as a Leading Lady. You are about to embark on a marvelous journey that will change your life.
My public ministry, Jubilant Light Ministries, did not begin until eighteen years later. Yes, I said eighteen years. God had given me a glimpse—a purpose, a promise—in 1992, but it took eighteen years to walk it out. I did not sit idly and wait. I jumped on any opportunity to teach and to lead. I looked for lessons learned. And, all the while, I heard that gentle whisper, “You are a woman called according to My purposes. Walk it out.”
I love what Beth Moore says in her book, The Beloved Disciple: Following John to the Heart of Jesus:
I don’t think John was so unlike Abraham or Moses. God chose these men but refined them for their tasks through the crucible of time and challenged trust…As God sought to kill the world in His chosen vessels and crucify them to their own plans and agendas, their terms in waiting were not emptied and lifeless. Rather, their lives greatly intensified. Our callings are not so different. We will never be of great use to God if we do not allow Him to crucify us to ourselves and the call of the world.
Don’t you love that? “God chose these men but refined them for their tasks through the crucible of time and challenged trust.” My, oh my. Always know that God has a plan that will fulfill His eternal purposes.
I came to realize that ministry can be found in every moment of every day. It does not require a title. It certainly doesn’t require a scheduled event. Those things will come, but they do not define you as a minister of the Gospel. Your ministry should be an extension of who you are—a lady of grace. See yourself as a fountain overflowing with God’s love into the lives of others. I cannot tell you how many times I have prayed, “Lord, open my eyes that I might see. Open my ears that I might hear the quiet pain of Your children.” This is a simple prayer with a profound, long-reaching effect. Your eyes will be opened; your ears will hear as you seek God with your whole heart. And you will find yourself impacting lives for the glory of God.
God’s timing is not our timing. Let me say that again: God’s timing is not our timing. His timing is perfect; our timing is often contrived. This is where trusting in the knowledge of your calling comes into play. As you wait in faith you will learn to recognize who God is and who you are not. You will learn to walk it out through the “crucible of time and challenged trust,” knowing, indeed, that you are called according to God’s purposes.
CHALLENGES BIRTH OPPORTUNITIES
By Stephanie L. McKenny
As long as there is breath in our bodies, we will all face challenges in our lives. Sometimes those challenges are difficult and hard to face. They’re even painful at times. But we must understand that challenges often birth opportunities for something greater to take place in our lives. Of course, we don’t like to face opposition when we are working towards achieving our goals, but if we grasp from our inner strength and push past the pain; we will find that we had what it took to make it through and finish strong.
If you are facing a challenge or some form of opposition or adversity and you feel like you can’t make it through, then this short sermon has been written to encourage you to push past your pain.
Let me share two stories about two women found in the Bible: one had to push past her pain, and the other allowed her time of adversity to push her into birthing something great. Both of these women physically birthed children, and there are significant lessons we can learn from their experiences.
In Genesis 35:16–17, the Bible shares with us about Rachel’s birthing of her last son, Benjamin. The scriptures declare that her labor was hard, but her midwife encouraged her that she was going to give birth to that child.
Every woman who has given birth to a child naturally knows the pain that coincides with the birthing process. We often hear others say, “No pain, no gain.” Well, this is true, literally, when it comes to giving birth to a child. It is evident through the scriptures that Rachel also experienced this pain, because it states that she had hard labor, but Rachel knew that she couldn’t let this child stay in her womb. She had to push. She had to push past her pain. This is what we can glean from her experience—even though the challenges in your life may be hard to face, you must push past the pain. Pushing through allows you to embrace something you would’ve never experienced had you not done so. Let go of the fear, discouragement, and excuses, push past the pain, and birth your greatest accomplishment in life. You have what it takes to do it, so push!
Rachel had to push because she knew the baby couldn’t stay in her womb. The pain was unbearable, but she continued to push. Yes, there is divine purpose inside of you and sometimes it becomes unbearable to contain because it’s still in you. You won’t get the relieved feeling of exhaling until you’ve pushed that purpose out of you. Not only will it benefit you to fulfill your purpose, but also many other lives will be touched because of it.
I also love the midwife in this brief text. A midwife sees everything: the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to the birthing process. Through it all, she must remain focused on one thing—making sure that baby is birthed. This woman played an outstanding role in Rachel’s life by simply saying, “Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.” Believe it or not, words have power and creative ability. I’m sure those words helped Rachel push a little harder to bring forth her last son.
Every now and then, through the challenging times of working to achieve our goals, we need that midwife in our lives to tell us, “Fear not; you’re going to get through this.” “Fear not; you’re going to be a great leader; you’re going to achieve your greatest goal, just PUSH!”
It is so important to surround yourself with individuals that see your vision and have a deep inward desire to want to see it fulfilled even more than you. They are your midwives. They are the voices that speak in the midst of the adversity and tell you to keep moving forward. They encourage you not to sweat the small stuff and keep it moving. I must reiterate—you have what it takes to accomplish your greatest task. There are some things we were born or predestined to do, so no matter how hard the opposition or challenge, you will fulfill that purpose if you keep pushing for it.
The second woman that we can glean some wisdom from is our dear sister, Hannah in I Samuel 1. Hannah faces a challenge of being barren. Since she is a woman, we can assume that she has the capability of reproducing. Everyone is well aware that a woman’s body has been designed to reproduce. In her case, Hannah was capable, but barren. There are many of us that are capable of reaching our greatest potential, but for some reason there is barrenness in our lives. We may face the struggle of knowing that we have the gifts, talents, and abilities within us, yet we see no fruit.
This was the case with Hannah; she had what it took, but there was no fruit. To top it off, she had a “hater” named Peninnah, who had the capability and the fruit to go along with it. Imagine being around someone that has the same gifts, talents, and abilities that you do, but the only difference is—they’re producing. We all have to be honest with ourselves, it’s nice to see others maximizing their potential and reaping the benefits from it, but we’d be deceiving ourselves if we didn’t want things to flow that way for us.
Hannah’s husband, Elkanah, tried to console her by questioning her: “Hannah, why weepest thou? And why eatest thou not? And why is thy heart grieved? Am not I better to thee than ten sons?” (I Samuel 1:8, KJV). Elkanah thought he was enough to fill the emptiness in Hannah’s life. He thought he could fill the void. Sometimes we are guilty of using other things or people to aid us in filling the voids in our lives. This way never really satisfies the void. Allowing God to fill the emptiness in our lives will allow us to experience true satisfaction.
Having some areas of our lives unfulfilled shouldn’t place us into a pity-party mode; we should glean from the wisdom displayed through Hannah’s actions. Hannah went to the source where all things began. Hannah must have gotten fed up with the taunting from her adversary, Peninnah, year after year. And then, having to witness her husband Elkanah hug on his children from Peninnah, I’m sure it was devastating. Hannah never retaliated physically, but Hannah went to God in prayer.
It may sound old fashioned, but prayer changes things! Whatever challenge, obstacle, or opposition you may face, you can always go to God in prayer, believe Him, and watch things turn around for you. Hannah was pushed into prayer. Whether you realize it or not, your challenges are designed to push you into prayer. It is in prayer that the real birthing begins.
So don’t be discouraged if you find yourself facing a few challenges in your life. Know that you have what it takes to push past your pain. Surround yourself with people that will motivate you to progress, and don’t forget to utilize the power of prayer.
WHEN GOD SPOKE
By Margaret Pagan
I’d had some good times selling my book. But I’d also spent hours in the heat of sweltering tents and days when the rain streamed behind my table like it would wash me out to sea. After ten years, I was tired.
“Lord,” I said, “if there’s anything else You want done with this book, it’s up to You. If you open a door, I’ll go in, but I’m not knocking. I’m tired!” The year was 2011.
More Than a Slave: The Life of Katherine Ferguson had first come out (under a different title) in 2001, and I had basked in the support of family and friends for several years. Then came the reaching out to those who did not know me. I’d had some good times, but I couldn’t seem to get a book signing at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore, despite having several acquaintances who worked there.
In January 2011, I got a call from the Museum saying they would host me for an event in February. They did all of the advertising on the Internet at no cost to me, and did not request a commission from my sales. Among the delightful, diverse members of the audience were my best friend from high school and my best friend from college! The event could not have been better. Attendees asked penetrating questions. My daughter prepared nice refreshments. Everything was perfect.
Because I had sought a book signing there for so long, I felt that my efforts had finally paid off. A few other doors opened including being chosen as an author for the JM Book Club and for an Author Spotlight by Jeweled Ministries. But I did not recognize that God was speaking until I received a call in November. A woman I don’t know and have never met called to say that she had been asked to write a book review for a well-known Christian publisher. She had begun writing it when the Lord spoke to her and said, “No. Review Margaret Pagan’s book, More Than A Slave.” She remembered that the book had been given to her several years earlier as a birthday present, but had to search among her many boxes and shelves to find it. Find it, she did. She read it and wrote the review in time to meet the publisher’s deadline. They received it, liked it, and plan to use it. They will also purchase copies of my book.
There is nothing I could have done to make any of this happen. God spoke, she obeyed, and it was done. I am so thankful. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
MY JOURNEY TO WHOLENESS
By Cheryl A. Pullins
Adoption, gang shooting, emotional abuse, health issues, divorce, and depression—these are just a few of the things God has brought me through.
The enemy has had me in his crosshairs since the day I was born. Using his crafty methods he attempted to take my mind and my life. Why? Because the plan God has for me, just like He has for you, is written in Jeremiah 29:11. God has plans to prosper you in every area of your life, to give you a hope and a future.
My life today is an example of His manifested promises. I am empowered, inspired, and encouraged by the practical application of the Word of God to my life.
My journey started when I was two years old. My biological mother gave me to a family friend, who said she would take care of me for as long as needed. That turned into me staying in her home until the day I was married—twenty-one years later. During that time I had no idea that the woman who was raising me wasn’t my biological mother. She was the only mom I knew, until the day I came home from school and find out that “mom” was a woman who offered to take care of me until my biological teenage mother had gotten herself “together.” What devastation! Here I was twelve years old feeling as if my entire world had changed. Because it had.
Three years prior to finding out that everyone I thought to be my family were really “family friends,” I was sitting outside on the front steps on a warm summer day. It is common in the inner city for children to play on the front steps. This day was no different. So I thought. Because our block was so long I didn’t notice that at the other end of the block there was commotion. All of a sudden shots rang out, and in an instant, I was hit. There I was nine years old and the victim of a gunshot wound. My summer was over!
By the time I was eighteen, I was in love. Really in love. Five years later, we married and one year after that we were the parents of a beautiful baby girl. And then there were four. But where did the love go? For many years I suffered in silence—fourteen to be exact. Why was I silent? Because I was the first lady and he was the pastor. Who was I going to tell about everything that was going on in my house? The lonely nights. The lies. The deception. So silent I became. My silence turned into health issues. Nothing severe, but they were enough for me to realize that I was internalizing everything that was happening in my life.
After fourteen years I finally broke my silence and all you know what breaks loose. I had come to the realization that the life I was living was not God’s plan for my life. He promised me more and I was going to experience it!
My quest, however, for wanting to experience what God promised me came at a price. I became a divorced woman and felt like a failure. As a result, depression ensued. I was used to being with my daughters all the time, but because of a lack of a support system, I made the decision to allow their father to be the full-time parent, and I had them on the weekends. As a mother, that was destroying me on the inside and it caused me to become depressed. I became so depressed that the corporate career I had worked so hard to build became too much for me. I walked away from what was at that time a fifteen-year stellar career.
I had hit the bottom. Rock bottom. There was nowhere else for me to go. I didn’t even think that going up was attainable. Up? How was I going to get out of where I was in my mind and my emotions? So instead of going up, I went down just a bit further.
Because of my depression, I sought help. Because of my answers to their questions, I was placed under a seventy-two hour hold. Yes! I spent three days in the mental section of a Pennsylvania hospital.
And so it began—my journey to wholeness.
After one day in the hospital and spending time with a hospital staff member, whom to this day I believe was an angel, I asked God to show me the way. I asked Him to illuminate my steps and remind me of His promises. It was Jeremiah 29:11 that rang in my spirit. I started looking for my hope and future.
I walked away from that experience. The culmination of more than fifteen years of anger, hurt, bitterness, and un-forgiveness had come to a head, and I was now on my path to heal and live the life I was created to live. It wasn’t easy. The bitterness, hurt, and anger was deep. It went all the way back to the day I was told that I had been adopted. But I was relentless. I had to heal. I had to become whole. Not only did my life depend on it, but so did the lives of my daughters and eventually the lives of women around the world who would never hear what they needed to hear until they heard it from me.
To fast forward to today, I am walking in my purpose. My mission is clear and I am on my destined path. God did an incredible thing in my life and I have to say that I would take nothing for my journey. It was rough. It was tough. But when I took on the mindset of a winner and came into the understanding that the victory had already been won and it was up to me to walk in it— my life changed, completely. My growth was slow but steady, and God was with me every step of the way.
In spite of the pain, the hurt, the disappointment, and the bitterness, I would still take nothing for my journey. I would never have become who I am today without traveling the path I took, which has led me to inspiring women all over the world.
If any of my story has you thinking “me too,” then I empower you ask God to heal you from the inside so that you too can forgive freely, love completely, and live victoriously.
This is God’s Word on the subject:
As soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
—Jeremiah 29:11 (Message)
WHAT IF JESUS HAD NOT BEEN BORN?
By Melody Ravert
I awoke, alone in my bed. No spouse lying beside me, keeping me close to his side. No sounds of children giggling, and no loud voices coming from the television. Total silence.
The sky was dark, no sun peeked its head through the gloomy clouds. I went about my business. I showered, got dressed, and prepared breakfast. I bowed my head to say “grace,” but something was wrong. “Thank you for this food...” I prayed, yet it seemed my prayers were simply bouncing off the walls.
I took a bite of scrambled egg and went to the counter where I kept my Bible and a daily devotional guide. I couldn’t find them anywhere.
Where were they? I know I read them yesterday, and I always place them back on the counter when I am finished.
On my way to work, I turned on the radio, looking for my favorite Christian station. I couldn’t find any—not one religious program on the dial.
I went through my day, feeling like I was running on autopilot. Nothing was as it should have been. Everywhere I went, people were angry, hateful, and bitter; looking out for only their own interests.
After work, I was nearly suffocating with the despair that surrounded me. I knew something was wrong. This was the Christmas season, the one time of the year when the news of “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men” should ring the loudest.
I drove to the local mall, hoping for a parking space. When I arrived, I was in shock. Not one car was sitting in the parking lot. The merchants had closed their doors. Only a few grocery stores remained opened. There were no decorations and no one standing outside collecting donations for the homeless. I felt a cold shiver of panic climb up my spine.
As I neared my church, I felt a sense of relief knowing I would find some answers. The love and warmth I received from my fellow believers would give me some encouragement from the pain and anguish that filled my heart. I drove the car around the bend expecting to see the familiar parking lot in front of the two story red brick building. Instead of a church, there was an office building. The atmosphere was cold, dark, and full of dread.
As I sat parked in my car, I buried my face in my hands and cried. “What happened? It’s as if Jesus was never born!”
A
MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER OF
JEWELED MINISTRIES
Since its inception, I have been humbled in my journey as the founder of Jeweled Ministries. This ministry was not founded because I wanted to preach, but because I just enjoy working with people. It’s even difficult for me to believe that through love…this light began.
It all began while working with my husband and promoting his talents as an author, speaker, and former child actor. However, during one of the engagements, woman after woman came to the table asking me if I had anything relative to their needs such as a blog, book, speaking platform, or website. Then, one day when someone called to just see how I was doing and wanted to ask a very general question, it hit…Jeweled Ministries. Though my name is Jewel, I knew that the name meant much more: each of us has a sparkle within, and we are true gems, because we are our Creator’s vessels.
Just think—because of helping someone—today I can acknowledge that I do have a platform using encouraging words and inspirational messages. Those ladies have no clue that their words have inspired me to reach authors, women entrepreneurs, and you.
I find it an honor to have readers read my work and the accomplishments of others. It’s something we really need in our everyday path. My hope is that this and future books will carry on and provide a powerful, encouraging message to women across the world.
Jewel
CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS
Cheryl Lacey Donovan
Cheryl is the author of two award-winning books, Women What the Hell are you Thinking, and The Ministry of Motherhood. She is also the founder and president of Worth More Than Rubies Ministries in Houston, Texas. As a speaker, Cheryl has shared her message to thousands of people in over twenty major cities. She is an Evangelist who has the privilege of being part of the ministerial staff of Jones Praise and Worship Center in Houston, Texas. Cheryl is also a seventeen-year teaching veteran. She is married to her husband of nineteen years and is the mother of three adult children and grandmother of two.
She has presented for such organizations as Big Sis and Company, God’s Word Ministries, Prairie View A&M University School of Nursing, The National Black Book Festival, Warriors for Christ Ministries, Women of Divine Aspiration, A New Woman Ministries, Women N Power Ministries, and The Academy of Health Care Professions. Cheryl has been quoted or profiled in Inspired Women Magazine, the North Dallas Gazette, DisilgoldSoul! Literary Review, and Divine Inspirations Magazine. She was interviewed on a variety of media including Great Day Houston, Heaven 1580, The Reading Circle with Marc Medley. Most recently Cheryl became the overseer of ten churches in Kenya.
Please visit Cheryl Lacey Donovan at:
Website: http://www.worthmorethanrubiesministries.org/
E-mail: cherylspeaks@gmail.com or cheryl@worthmorethanrubiesministries.org
Phone: (832) 525-0651
Sarah Grant
Sarah Grant is an inspirational/motivational writer and poet who resides with her family in Anderson, South Carolina. She lived through a treacherous car accident when she was four months old and realized that if God kept her alive all of those hours, then there must be a purpose for her life. Her maternal grandparents raised her and now she wishes to inspire her female readers with the authentic love between a grandmother and her granddaughter.
Sarah has been writing since the fourth grade. From grammar school throughout college she has produced several phenomenal pieces, but never had the confidence to submit any writings for publication because she was paralyzed with fear.
Sarah has an authentic testimony and uses that testimony, along with the love of her grandmother, to inspire others to press forward in God. She inspires and empowers others to allow God to display His splendor in their lives and the lives of their loved ones. She teaches that God can truly take a mess and give you a beautiful message for the use of His kingdom. Sarah’s grandmother was the trumpet in her life for many years, and that trumpet held Sarah deep within her heart daily.
Please visit Sarah Grant at:
Website: http://adisplayofhissplendorbook.com
E-mail: princess4061@yahoo.com
Paulette Harper Johnson
Paulette is a sought after speaker, coach, and award-winning author. As an inspirational and motivational speaker, Paulette’s desire is to motivate women to reach their God-given potential through conferences, workshops, and seminars. Combining enthusiasm with an energetic speaking style, audiences describe Paulette’s presentation as inspiriting, enriching, and encouraging. She is committed to speaking a message that is always uplifting and edifying.
As a writing coach, she is the visionary behind her own writing ministry called “Write Now,” a literary program that specializes in coaching aspiring writers in the areas of creativity, development, and publication of Christian books.
She provides her clients with tools, resources, and opportunities to help them succeed in the writing business. She also specializes in providing marketing services, suggestions, and advice to all those who will solicit her help.
Paulette serves as the marketing specialist for P.F.L. Publishing. 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 she also serves as the publicist for P.F.L. Publishing.
As a certified life coach, Paulette’s mission is to challenge you to define your purpose and passion so you can discover your full potential for living your best life now.
Paulette has authored such books as That Was Then, This Is Now: This Broken Vessel Restored. That Was Then, This Is Now achieved national recognition, becoming a finalist in the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Award. Her latest release Completely Whole became the 2011 Readers Favorite Contest Winner. Both books have ranked consecutively on the Black Christian Publishers Bestsellers List for Independent Publishers (non-fiction category). She is the co-author of Victorious Living for Women and Victorious Living for Moms.
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, FL.
Paulette is available for book discussions, speaking, training, and facilitating your upcoming event or conference.
Please visit Paulette at:
Website: www.pauletteharper.com
Coaching service http://coachpauletteharper.blogspot.com/
Author blog: http://pauletteharper.blogspot.com
E-mail: info@pauletteharper.com
Phone: (925) 698-6903
Nancy “Nan” Trammell Jones
Nancy “Nan” Trammell Jones is a loving wife, mother, and writer who is the founder of Jubliant Light Ministries. She lives in Western North Carolina. Within her ministry she has two very encouraging blogs: Morning Glory and Light Reflections. Each of these blogs are endearing to her readers because they are rich devotionals that are received in the time of need for them. The comments from the readers are true testimonials of her gift from God.
Her first steps of obedience to God as a new Christian were simple things like making eye contact with a stranger and then actually smiling at them! Though Nan said it was hard, she knew that learning obedience is where Jesus met, helped, and changed her.
Outside of her blogs, she and her husband, David, a pastor, find that their ministry is what God has called them to do to “reach and restore broken lives through the power of His presence.” She provides workshops to women to encourage and uplift them. According to one testimony, “Nan’s enthusiasm, her love of God’s Word and her love for sharing it has blessed me. God has given Nan a fabulous talent and it’s so wonderful that she is using it to help women get close to God so we can all feel His heartbeat!!” —Gladys Harrison, Oak Grove Baptist Church
Please visit Nan at:
Website: http://jubilantlight.com
Author’s blog: http://morningglory.blogspot.com
E-mail: nan@jubilantlight.com
Stephanie L. McKenny
Stephanie L. McKenny wrote a non-fiction book, Clutch Your Pearls, Girl!, to help women who did not love who they were. The book provided many testimonies…transparent by all means…to help women in detrimental relationships to begin to love themselves.
Stephanie L. McKenny is an author, entrepreneur, and minister. She is extremely grateful that God has called her to minister His Word, and write books that will encourage, inspire, entertain, and challenge readers. She has authored Positioning Yourself to Success, and her most recent release, Clutch Your Pearls, Girl!, which is Ms. McKenny’s entrepreneurial segue to help women with their relationships. The means by which Ms. McKenny teaches women to value themselves include the Clutch your Pearls Blog, Clutch Your Pearls Newsletter, Pearls B4 Swine Radio, and a motivational series Position Yourself for Success. As the owner of J & J Publishing Company, she is sharing her passion of spreading the written word by helping others to publish theirs.
Additionally, she leads Word for Women, Inc., an organization that provides workshops, conferences, and retreats with the intention of sharing words of empowerment for women.
Please visit Stephanie at:
Website: http://www.stephaniemckenny.com
E-mail: Word for Women—wordforwomen@yahoo.com
J & J Publishing Company—jjpublisher@yahoo.com
Clutch Your Pearls, Girl!—cypg3@yahoo.com
Margaret D. Pagan
Margaret D. Pagan’s wealth of knowledge on understanding the development of a story through the eyes of history is incredible. Though it may be easy to read, fiction drawn from history with characters we adore is a challenge to create.
Margaret D. Pagan, a researcher on African American History, began writing African American stories as a freelancer. Her passion for writing allowed her work to be published in newspapers, magazines, journals, and newsletters. Her infusion of historical fiction and her love for Christ is expressed through her first book, More Than A Slave: The Life of Katherine Ferguson. Her book has received many endorsements from local newspapers, national magazines, and a host of book clubs. Her second book, The Fulani Girls, is the sequel. Ms. Pagan currently serves as the President for the Black Writer’s Guild of Maryland.
Please visit Margaret at:
Website: http://www.margaretpagan.com
E-mail: books@margaretpagan.com
Cheryl Pullins
Fun, vibrant, and witty are some of the words used to describe Cheryl. She is very clear about her purpose, which is to share with every woman, every training class, and every audience that it is up to them to authentically create the business and life they dream about.
Cheryl went from being a divorced, depressed, and discouraged woman with low self-confidence and a lack of vision to a national speaker and internationally recognized business and lifestyle solutions strategist. Combining knowledge and experience, Cheryl travels the nation helping women build their businesses, grow their incomes, and live marvelous lives.
Using her It’s Time to Change Your Mind™ message, Cheryl teaches women how to identify and remove the blocks that have been hindering their progress. She assists them with moving in the right direction so they can define their own success.
Cheryl is a Certified Professional Coach with more than twenty years of experience in the field of Human Resources. She is the Founder of Victorious Lifestyle Solutions, which houses The Woman Entrepreneur’s Mentor, Victoriously Speaking, and Victorious Life Media. She is a contributing author to both the Amazon bestseller, The Queen’s Legacy, and The Legacy Letters: 30 Women Addressing the Next Generation.
Cheryl is a Premier Coach with the National Association of Women on the Rise, a member of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals Speakers Bureau. She hosts weekly podcast shows and serves as the host of BAM Radio. Most recently Cheryl has been selected to serve as a Global Events Director for Global Women’s Summits.
Cheryl’s greatest joy is being a wife, mother, and grandmother.
Please visit Cheryl at:
Website: www.iMentorWomen.com
E-mail: info@iMentorWomen.com
Phone: (877) 319-3745
Melody Ravert
Melody Ravert began her publishing journey by increasing the awareness of autism. She later realized the need to help others to spread their own stories, so she created a publications business to encourage others to share their journeys.
Ms. Ravert is a self-publisher and owner of MJR Publications, LLC. She is Christian fiction author of several books, short stories, poetry, and articles. Ms. Ravert began her writing career in December of 2002 with her first book, Shadow of Death. Ms. Ravert’s influence and passion for writing encouraged her sister to publish her first book, Wacky Weddings. Ms. Ravert and her late husband, Tim Ravert, wrote the book Silent Angel. The book speaks to the joys and challenges of raising an autistic child.
Ms. Ravert served as a judge for the Frontiers in Writing Contest sponsored by the Panhandle Professional Writers Association; she was nominated VIP Woman of the Year for the National Association of Professional Women 2009-2010; she served as a corporate sponsor and silver member of the 2010 Trustworthy and True: Christian Authors on Tour; and she is currently a silver corporate sponsor for the Christian AOT Network. Ms. Ravert’s most recent book is Loving Hearts Live Forever.
Please visit Melody at:
Website: http://www.melodyravert.net
E-mail: melodyravert@yahoo.com
DIAMONDS
IN THE LIGHT
(Poem)
The value of life is like a diamond.
We are to take our time
and truly mine.
That special gem can define
our true gift from the son.
Use every tool that you’ve been given
Just like you’re in the mine.
For every piece of knowledge
and crevice time after time.
That’s where we develop
and learn from the son.
Now, look deep into the diamond.
Yes, your intricate soul.
Notice that it is special
and important to feed its vessel.
You’ll reach a goal
and give praise to the son.
Hold your diamond in the light.
It is so beautiful
It’s clairvoyant.
Glistening and reflecting
the one true LIGHT.
We are Diamonds in the Light!
—Jewel Williams
###
Connect with me Online:
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jewelwilliams
My blog: http://jewelwilliams.wordpress.com
My website: http://www.jeweledministries.com