April 1 Issue

Posted on April 14, 2007
Filed Under Past Issues |

Fill Your Spirit

Your Captain Is Speaking by Nicole Walters

Nicole Walters is a wife, a mom, a little hyper, a worship leader, a writer, and a maker of really good sweet potato pie.

When I first got the inspiration to start this magazine, I found myself sitting between two perfect and, thankfully, quiet strangers on a flight home after an LA-visit to see my best friend and my newest favorite person, her newborn son. After several sleep-challenged, diaper-changing nights, I easily dozed off on the plane somewhere between the runway and cruising altitude only to have my sleep interrupted with the “ding” of the captain’s address. “Ladies and gentlemen, you’ll notice that I have turned off the seat belt sign . . .” AirplaneHuh? Wha’? The captain went on to give information relevant to our flight: estimated arrival time, current weather conditions, etc., while I only half-way listened until . . .

“Ding!”

Zeitgeist Guru Oprah Winfrey (as if the last name is necessary!) often talks about “A-ha” moments – moments of revelation or insight about a particular thing previously unnoticed. I’m grateful that during the past ten years or so of my life, as I’ve practiced the presence of God, I’ve not been a stranger to the light bulb, synchronistic moments that happen when prayer, inspiration, and God’s Divine direction converge and leave me saying “Wow.” Moreover, given my extroverted tendencies, I love sharing those moments with whoever is interested, as evidenced by my obsessive MySpace blogging. I’ve purposed myself primed for the occasion where the ordinary meets the Divine and gives me the “blog worthy” moment. So when the “ding” rang throughout of the cabin, there was also a “ding” ringing within my heart and mind, rousing me from my sleep and onto my MacBook. Let me explain.

As I waited to board my plane, I thought about the week I’d spent with my best friend. We spent hours talking about her new role as a mother, about work and whether she’ll go back, and about what her ideal job would be now that life has changed. We denounced fear or worry, like best friends do, and allowed ourselves to imagine the Divine possibilities. In LAX, I mused over the decisions that lie ahead of her, and even dared present the question to myself . . . what would your ideal job be if you could do anything you wanted to?

Here’s my story - the short version for now. I’m a writer, but not in the sexy, eccentric, and artistic way that I bet came to mind. No. Instead I’ve written proposals for wastewater treatment plants; I’ve composed development letters soliciting donations for medical research; and I’ve created advertising copy for store chains that I don’t even shop in myself. But, yes, I’m a writer, just not the kind I thought I’d be when I “grew up”.

Somewhere along the way, I got derailed by the topsy-turvy of life and set aside the cool version of myself for a more practical one. Don’t get me wrong, for me practicality has still been hugely broad and, at times, very cool. I mean, I’m married to the man I’d choose all over again, I’ve got two of the people I like most in this world as my sons, I’ve indulged my creative fancies singing with one band or the other, and I’ve been able to fill my need to serve and contribute in this world by going on mission trips to some incredible places. Life has been good - just not like I’d imagined where Nicole “the professional” was concerned. Thinking about all of that at the gate of my plane, I was tempted toward regret, what ifs, and how comes. Oh well . . .

“Ding”

“This is your Captain speaking and I’ve been informed that we should expect some turbulence during our descent into Denver . . .”

There I was, half asleep, listening to the voice of the man who was taking me to my final destination . . . a destination that I had chosen but that, without his expertise, I would never have reached on my own. What do I know about aerodynamics? Nothing. Instead, I’d firmly placed my faith that I’d get to Denver safely in my pilot, his staff, and the airplane. It was a faith that I’d acted upon as evidenced by my ticket purchase. Somehow faith feels far easier to exercise in this natural realm, with tickets, seats, and seat-belts that we can see, touch, and feel, than it does in the realm of things unseen. How I long for that kind of faith to express itself consistently in my walk with the invisible God . Just pick the destination and go kinda thing. Just. Pick. The. Destination. Hmmmm.

Here’s what I know: I believe that a part of God’s purpose for my life, my destination if you will, includes encouraging His daughters to walk fully in His will for their lives. I also believe that writing is one way to do just that. And, no, I don’t mean writing proposals or marketing materials either. But I’ve been waiting . . . and waiting . . . and waiting. Waiting for what? I don’t exactly know. An invitation? Permission? The right job opportunity? The acceptance letter from a submission? Again, it’s not as if I haven’t been writing (remember MySpace?), I just haven’t been writing with the purpose, the intention, or the belief that I could actually, well, do it the way I’ve so often dreamed, like in a book, or a . . . MAGAZINE!

“Ding.”

My desired destination, as a daughter of God, as a writer, and as a lover of my sisters in Christ, is to have a faith-based, Christ-exalted publication that contributes to the lives of those who read it. As with everything else, I have to trust God, just like I did my pilot, to get me where I want to go. And just like I had to purchase the ticket and board the plane, I have to write the articles, find the graphics, figure out this web thing, and do all I can as I proceed towards my destination, trusting God to sound the “ding” and guide me along the way.

So, with the inspiration started by a bell ringing through an airplane cabin, I wiped my sleepy eyes, popped an Altoid, and began writing, this. See, I’ve always been a writer. I have just now decided to start acting like one. And, wouldn’t you know it, God has been faithful to sound a few “dings” along the way, which is why I’m here with you right now.

I don’t know what you may be waiting to do or be. I don’t know what, in the inmost places of your heart, you dream of or hope for. But I do know that as a child of God you have permission to live the life He designed you to. You have His permission. Whether you were fashioned a great orator to the nations or an even greater teacher to second graders, I encourage you, beloved, to embrace the passion in your heart and trust that the God who placed it there will also make the provision for its expression.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

I sincerely hope that you will find the value in whatever gift God has invested in you. I earnestly hope that you will understand the need to grow it, nurture it, protect it, and express it. I desperately wish that, beginning now, you will exercise the endurance to, against all odds, live it.airport

How do you believe that God has gifted you given your passions, natural talents, and circumstance? Are you presently serving in it? If not, what are you waiting for, beloved? It’s never too late! Take the first step, set the course, and board the plane! And, as you soar along your way, listen for the “ding.” It’s sure to sound, trust me. Your Captain is still speaking.

The Honest to Goodness Truth:

Proverb 4: 25, 26

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.

Peace and Blessings,

Nicole

Free Your Mind

The Practical Pursuit of Your Passionate Purpose by Monique Ruffin-James

Monique is a lover of truth, a wife, a new mom, a sleep deprived saint and a regular shopper at Trader Joe’s.

For the last ten years I have been in prayer for and in pursuit of my life’s purpose. Recently I realized my purpose is to bring more love to my life and to the lives of those around me. I believe loving is the ultimate purpose for each of our lives. The question now is, how will I/we individually and uniquely express God’s love? I find my personal encouragement looking to those who have inspired beauty, freedom, and joy in the hearts of humanity, the Einsteins, Picassos, Gandhis, and Oprah Winfreys of the world who have made an indelible imprint on our lives which would not be the same without their contribution. Jesus expressed love by giving his life for the salvation of the world. Like Jesus, we too give our life energy for the goodness of God, and for the well being of others and ourselves. Will you give your love as teacher, an artist, a doctor, or a plumber?

You too, have specific talents and gifts to offer humanity. Something uniquely yours! These gifts are necessary, absolutely essential to awakening those around you to the goodness of God. We are all waiting on you. You are waiting on you! Beneath those things that can distract and confuse, there is a fire, the Holy Spirit, burning inside your heart; a place where you are consumed by the energy of your gifts. I believe that there are times when you, in the quietness of your heart, see yourself being your most magnificent, and that the only thing stopping you from living as your best self is a limited belief that you are not enough. Girl at the doorToday, begin believing that all things are possible with Christ. There are infinite possibilities for you in the kingdom of heaven, which is at hand now!

Start by asking God to lead you into the revelation of the vision/purpose for your life. Ask how you can be of service. What does the kingdom of God need from you today and every day? Find a few girlfriends to pray this prayer with you. Begin supporting one another in the quest toward the realization of your purposes. Hold their success and fulfillment as dear to you as you do your own. Know that your sister’s happiness and success is yours also. Create a space of truth, inspiration, and vulnerability between each of you. Keep in mind that what is true for one of you is true for all when it comes to God’s promises and glory.

In your prayers, ask if there is anything that you need to release or behaviors to change? What kind of person must you be willing to become in order to realize your purpose? You may discover old resentments with people or situations that you haven’t forgiven. Resentment and unforgiveness keep you stagnant and stuck and must be let go and healed to experience a greater level of God’s goodness. Also, release projects that you haven’t completed; things you’ve been telling yourself you are going to do but haven’t yet. These unfinished projects are energy drainers - places where you are wasting your creativity unconsciously. That book that has been on your nightstand for three months? Put it back on the bookshelf. The garage that is filled with clutter? Give yourself permission to revisit it in six months and mark your calendar. Create a plan to complete these projects and follow through with it. Once you have followed through with your incomplete projects, you can direct your energy toward new ones that more directly reflect your life’s purpose.

Next, begin getting clear about your passions. Purpose is driven by passion. What ignites your enthusiasm? I have always loved talking to and being with people. And, I have been spiritual since I was a little girl. It was my grandmother who first gave me my thirst for all things God by reading the Psalms to me every night before bed. So, today I’m a co-creator/writer for a women’s spiritual publication – expressing things that have been true about me since the beginning of my life! This is how I manifest my love for people and God. How does your passion fuel you? What are you always doing, even when no one is paying attention? Maybe this is your gift to the world.

Begin taking action daily toward the purpose of your life. Don’t wait for any specific person or event to happen. You make it happen. See yourself in the fulfillment of your purpose, and as you do, watch as things begin to unfold. Set yourself up for success by setting realistic goals. In doing so, you will begin feeling plugged into your purpose. You will ignite the flame inside you and God will meet you where you are.

Be willing to take risks. Based upon what the Spirit of God is speaking to your heart, take risks. If you hear God telling you to move or leave a job, make the necessary preparations toward that particular thing. Trust your inner guidance - it will not mislead you. Other people may not understand and that is okay. Resistance from others may even strengthen your determination. It is not uncommon for naysayers to show up when you begin to make changes. Trust that like-minded people will show up too. The path towards greatness can feel lonely and is not for the fainthearted. Just consider the path Jesus walked. If you are feeling isolated, pray for strength, rest when necessary, nurture your mind, body, and spirit, and continue trusting God.

Finally, surround yourself with reminders of your ultimate goal, your ultimate destination. Create a vision board with pictures, words, and quotations that create a feeling of success within you. Look at it daily and see and feel yourself living it. After all, the brain doesn’t know the difference between reality and imagination. Post It notesPost affirmations in areas around your home or your office that get your attention. Put them in the bathroom, on the refrigerator, or on your car mirror. At the beginning of Jim Carey’s career, he wrote himself a check for $10 million believing that he would one day be paid that amount. Do whatever helps you to create a feeling of fulfillment in your heart . . . then take actions toward this fulfillment.

When you have practiced your decision to pursue your passions, acknowledge and celebrate your successes as they come because as you grow in your calling doors will begin to open. Be grateful for every accomplishment small or large, and more will be given.

I love witnessing people who are living their purpose. I can feel something deep and eternal within me in the company of those who fulfill greatness by living out their purpose, which is greatness in and of itself! Consider this, when Oprah completed the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, she said, “for this I was born.” For what purpose were you born?

The Honest to Goodness Truth:

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Peace and Blessings,

Monique Ruffin-James

Feed Your Soul
TiaTake Up Your Bed by Tia Collier

Tia is a poet, an artist, a beauty, a beloved Daughter of God, and sister to sisters.

Maybe
Things are done by the beat of God’s heart,
the hum
in His right breast,
or discriminate, mellifluous musings
of divine intention.
The designs of a lifetime
decoded
by the rocking
of your Big Mama’s chair,
her far-away frown
soaring over paths tread,
passions lost
and
dreams suckled until grown
or
groan.

Maybe
The plans you seek
are encapsulated around the misery of your choices,
crying out
in needles of grief caught underneath your fingernails
like the disappointments
of your life
characterized
by darkness, denial, desperation.

One asked,
What is your intention?
A sojourn to this or that, sticky fingers too soiled
by a wondering life to know purity when you feel it?

One asked,
What do you propose?
Your wanderlust in competition
with your ashy, callused feet
sore from the misapprehension
of a thinking mind.

One asked,
What is your calling?
To mourn men who never cared about you, anyway?
To slip away on the current of your own misgivings?

One asked,
What is your purpose?

When the answers fail to come
and the unattended hopes
of your fallen years mock you in false indignation,
One whispers,
Now,
are you willing to take up your bed and walk?

Find Your Flow

Dawn Thomas is currently a development executive at Overbrook Entertainment, a Sony-based production shingle run by partners Will Smith and James Lassiter. Recent Overbrook productions include “Hitch”, “I, Robot” and “Pursuit of Happyness” as well as the upcoming feature “I Am Legend”. With a background in securities law, finance, and global consulting on Wall Street, Thomas entered the entertainment business as an assistant at the top tier, Creative Artists Agency. While at CAA, she worked with several senior agents in various departments, including Feature Talent, TV Packaging, and Film Finance. Dawn is currently developing and helping to manage several films and television projects as well as marketing plans tied to the company’s television and blockbuster movies, which focus on both Will Smith vehicles and projects that support up-and-coming talent.

MGM: Our first magazine is all about purpose and vision. In this segment, we’d like to offer the readers a window into the world of someone who is living inside of her life’s purpose. We thought interviewing you – a younger woman who is still growing and discovering more about life, but who is confident about the thing you bring – would be fun.

At this stage in your life would you say you are living/working inside your purpose? If so, how?

DT:
Yes. I wouldn’t say it’s easy every day - but yes - absolutely. Two years ago, I envisioned working for an a-list actor developing film and television projects and marketing the corporate brand while being a part of a team. I was so convinced that this was the only option that when the call came out of the blue from this person’s partner, I only had to nod and be thankful. I have been here for two years and am growing in responsibility and ability each day.
MGM: What risk have you taken towards fulfilling your purpose?

DT:
Risk is such a relative term. I take an honest look at my skills and gifts, balance that with my goals and dreams and make a decision that I can (with God) accomplish it all (or not). I left a six-figure job and relative security in a growing business because my personal assessment revealed that I could do more. After several phone calls with alumni, I moved to California and started from the bottom in the mailroom at a Major agency – where I worked my way up. I cried at night because I knew no one in town and I knew nothing about the business. I made $26,000, had little gas, rarely enough food, and pushed myself 14 hours a day, but never quit. My purpose was/is to learn to truly believe and invest in my talents. That’s not really a risk though, is it? When you know who you are and what you have - you can’t really ever fail.

MGM: How have you prepared yourself (education, training, etc.)?

DT:
I have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s in media finance, and a law degree. In my past life, I worked as a finance attorney on Wall Street. I later worked overseas in Paris and London for a major consulting firm and came back to the states to work with a major real estate financier. Training? For what I am doing now? I have to laugh. Basically, I received that growing up really poor in Chicago with a praying mother who never ever let me believe I couldn’t fly. Education means little (for me) if you don’t have strength of mind, fortitude, faith, and an unspeakable drive. Period. I couldn’t get that from a book. When the days are long and the obstacle unforgiving, my preparation is prayer and faith. Really. The other stuff helps in that I have a wide range of exposure - it’s my bag of tricks, if you will. But even if I didn’t have it - I would still be here. I really believe that.
MGM: How do you intend on using your talents to serve?

DT:
Hopefully, by being the best at who I am and what I do, I can inspire strength and challenge standards in others. Overall, I plan to serve the market by contributing new ideas and being an example of integrity in how I conduct my business. Further, I truly believe in pulling others up. If I go, my team goes.

MGM: What would you say is the thing that makes you confident about what you bring to your work environment?

DT:
I know in my spirit that God has blessed me with a gift of intellect, creativity, strategy and communication (both written and oral).
MGM: Are you certain about your purpose? And if so, how did you get certain? What in you knew it was right?

DT:
I stand so strong in my gifts because I work at it - e v e r y day, without fail. I am constantly getting better. This is not arrogance, it’s truly an understanding. I understand that the universe has blessed everyone. I am aware of my blessings and become more surprised by the day as I am introduced to different aspects of them. So, no matter what besets my daily situation, I know that I can find a way to mastermind a plan. I have all the tools I need to succeed.

MGM: Would you say what you are passionate about and your purpose are connected? Explain?

DT:
Absolutely. I am passionate about being the very best me. I am passionate about building better relationships with people and developing wonderfully creative, financially viable business ideas. I believe that being a great leader and an amazing manager of businesses and people is my purpose. They all seem to overlay for me in a real way.
woman Can you offer any suggestions/advice to other women finding their purpose?

DT:
You know instinctively when some things come easy for you. You know instinctively when something “clicks”. Find that click… Dig into it. Unlock other levels and make it your very own. I will not promise that it’s easy. One of the most challenging things for me is realizing that being good at the task is very different than managing the people and tribulations tied to performing that task. So I am digging into my gift to explore other levels that allow me to maximize my opportunities. Dig in ladies… For example, being great at creating businesses is totally different from mastering accounting and understanding how to grow your business. Once we identify our gifts, we must grow in our understanding of it and then become 360 degrees better to perform in and around that gift. We have to be multifunctional beings to really live in the purpose.